Kaibigan magazine 2nd 2014 by Analisa Chua

Kaibigan

magazine

contents

A Publication of Kaibigan Ministry for God’s Glory Taipei International Church Tagalog Fellowship Publisher

Atty. Fredrick Norman Voigtmann Co-Publisher

Rev. Paul Ko Editor-in-Chief

Analisa N. Chua

Managing Editor/Designer

Rev. Ron Adhikari Rev. Zhang Ren Ai Rev. Immanuel Scharrer Rev. Alain Haudenschild Multilingual Contributing Editors

Ann Cielo Ko Contributor

Nelissa Ilog Shih

Contributing Photographer

Lillia Tan

Mailing Coordinator

Kaibigan

is published bimonthly 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: 0972921681 (text, viber, line) ©2014 by Kaibigan magazine, Taipei International Church, Tagalog Fellowship. Printed in Taiwan Volume 18, Number 2

FEATURES 17 DELIGHT IN DISORDER

Churches, communities, and individual believers can be safe havens for people with disordered minds.

18 IS CHILDREN’S MINISTRY IMPORTANT

Read why children’s ministry is vital for community and the church.

22 MGA KLASE NG BUDHI

Alam mo ba kung anong budhi mayron ka?

DEPARTMENTS 04 PANANAW Pananaw sa Trabaho

Mga panuntunan o kaisipan patungkol sa trabaho.

08 PATOTOO A Story of God’s Faithfulness

An inspiring testimony of a changed life through Jesus Christ.

11 PAMPAMILYA Use Rules to Teach Values

Read why family rules can be a good technique to motivate children to learn right life principles and values.

26 PANGKALUSUGAN 5 Foods That Make You Looke Younger

Add these age-defying foods to your diet and start looking and feeling younger.

12 READERS FEEDBACK 13 PAROLA 24 BSCC 27 THAI 28 INDONESIAN 30 VIETNAMESE 34 BIBLE WORD SEARCH

COVERSTORY PAGE 20

Paul Ko, Editor-in-Chief

aibigan Magazine is still in transition. We praise God for the arrival of Pastor Obet, the incoming editor, in Taiwan this September. He was featured in the cover page in the last edition. We thank you for praying for the completion and approval of all his requirements to make it to Taiwan. God is faithful in allowing the continuing publication of Kaibigan Magazine up to now since it started in 1996. Many souls have been blessed by the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ and many grow in their faith, walk and love of God. In this edition, you have the same inspiring Bible based spiritual articles, great testimonies and stories, Word puzzles, health tips, parenting guides and many other graceful information to help your pilgrimage in Taiwan and beyond. We also continue to thank our Kaibigan partners, sponsors, contributors and all you awesome readers for taking part in the development and expansion of Kaibigan Magazine Ministry. You can do more to touch and change lives by committing to pray and partner with God and us through your generous gifts so that many more souls will be reached this year and the coming years ahead. You can donate 50NT, 100NT or more to help. Thank you so much and remember God loves you far more than what you imagine or think, In Christ love and service,

If you have been blessed reading Kaibigan Magazine and wish to share the blessings with others, you may donate to Kaibigan Magazine Ministry. Any amount will help print more copies and our mailing/postage cost to all Kaibigan magazine subscribers. Please send your donation 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 an instruction saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;this is a donation for Kaibigan magazine,â&#x20AC;? and you can send it by registered mail or postal money order. We really need your help to continue this ministry. May God continue to bless you all! Kaibigan

pananaw

ni Pastor Paul Ko

ng trabaho ay aktibidad na kinasasangkutan ng kaisipan o pisikal na pagsisikap na ginawa upang makamit ang isang layunin o resulta. Ang mga kasingkahulugan nito ay paggawa, pagpupunyagi, pagsusumikap, industriya, o serbisyo. Karaniwan, nag-tratrabaho tayo para kumita para sa sarili at para rin sa mga mahal sa buhay. Parte na rin ang maka-ipon at mapaghandaan ang kinabukasan. Balikan natin ang historya kung kailan nagsimulang magtrabaho ang tao. Sinabi

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ng Biblia, â&#x20AC;&#x153;At kinuha ng Panginoong Dios ang lalake at inilagay sa halamanan ng Eden, upang kaniyang alagaan at ingatan.â&#x20AC;?Genesis 2:15 (ADB). Matapos gawin ng Diyos ang tao mula sa alabok, inilagay niya ito sa hardin ng Eden upang alagaan at ingatan ang hardin. Sila ang itinalagang Tagapag-alaga ng hardin ng Diyos. Ito ang job description ng mga unang tao.

Ayon sa Biblia, well provided sila sa lahat ng pangangailangan sa hardin kaya masaya sila kasama ang Diyos. Subalit di nagtagal, sa kaunaunahang pagkakataon, nasisante o na lay off ang tao sa hardin. Ang dahilan ay ang pagkakasala laban sa patakaran ng Diyos gawa ng pakikinig sa panunudyo ng diablo (Genesis 3). Ganito ang naging hatol ng Diyos sa kanilang pagkakasala, “Sinabi niya sa babae, Pararamihin kong lubha ang iyong kalumbayan at ang iyong paglilihi; manganganak kang may kahirapan; at sa iyong asawa ay pahihinuhod ang iyong kalooban, at siya’y papapanginoon sa iyo. At kay Adam ay sinabi, Sapagka’t iyong dininig ang tinig ng iyong asawa, at kumain ka ng bunga ng punong kahoy na aking iniutos sa iyo na sinabi, Huwag kang kakain niyaon; sumpain ang lupa dahil sa iyo; kakain ka sa kaniya sa pamamagitan ng iyong pagpapagal sa lahat ng mga araw ng iyong buhay; Ang isisibol niyaon sa iyo ay mga tinik at mga dawag; at kakain ka ng pananim sa parang; Sa pawis ng iyong mukha ay kakain ka ng tinapay, hanggang sa ikaw ay mauwi sa lupa; sapagka’t diyan ka kinuha: sapagka’t ikaw ay alabok at sa alabok ka uuwi.”-Genesis 3:16-19 Matapos mapalayas sa hardin, kinailangan pa rin na mag-trabaho ngunit hiwalay na sa presensiya ng Diyos. Patay at putol na ang relasyon ng tao sa Diyos. Sa labas ng hardin sila magbubukid at sa lugar na nasumpang kalupaan dahil sa kanilang kasalanan. “Kaya pinalayas siya ng Panginoong Dios sa halamanan ng Eden, upang kaniyang bukirin ang lupaing pinagkunan sa kaniya.(Gen.3:23). Naging mahirap at pasama ang kanilang buhay bunga ng kasalanan. Ngunit sa kabila nito, nagbigay ang Diyos ng mga prinsipyo para maging maginhawa ang tao sa kabila ng sumpa kung tutupdin nila ang mga iyon hanggang maipatupad ang pagliligtas sa kanilang kalagayan

na ipinangako (Gen. 3:15). Ilan sa mga prinsipyo na itinala ng Diyos tungkol sa pag-tratrabaho. Maging Masipag. Ipinahayag ng Diyos, “Siya’y nagiging dukha na gumagawa ng kamay na walang kasipagan: nguni’t yumayaman ang kamay ng masipag” (Proverbs 10:4). Sinabi ng Diyos kung paano giginhawa ang tao sa Psalm 128:2, “Sapagka’t iyong kakanin ang gawa ng iyong mga kamay: magiging maginhawa ka, at ikabubuti mo.” Sinabi rin ng Diyos kung ano ang maglalagay sa kahirapan sa tao sa Proverbs 14:23, “Sa lahat ng gawain ay may pakinabang: ng uni’t ang tabil ng mga labi a y naghahatid sa karalitaan.” Sinabi rin kung sino ang sasagana sa Proverbs 12:11, “Siyang bumubukid ng kaniyang lupain ay magkakaroon ng saganang tinapay: nguni’t siyang sumusunod sa taong walang kabuluhan ay walang unawa.” Sinabi rin kung ano ang papatay sa sarili sa Proverbs 21:25, “Ang nasa ng tamad ay pumapatay sa kaniya; sapagka’t tumatanggi ang kaniyang mga kamay sa paggawa.” Kaya nga sinabi ng Diyos sa Proverbs 20:13, “Huwag mong ibigin ang pagtulog, baka ka madukha; idilat mo ang iyong mga mata, at mabubusog ka ng tinapay.” Sa Bagong Tipan, ipina-alala ni Apostol Pablo sa mga taga-Efeso (4:28), “Ang nag nanakaw ay huwag nang magnakaw pa: bagkus magpagal, na igawa ang kaniyang mga kamay ng mabuting bagay, upang siya’y may Kaibigan

maibigay sa nangangailangan.” Sa ating panahon, may mga nagnanakaw ng oras sa trabaho. Ano man ang sama ng employer, dapat pa rin maging tapat sa trabaho sapagkat nakikita ng Diyos ang situasyon mo. Kung inaabuso ka, o may angal ka sa patrabaho, sa Diyos ka magsumbong. Siya ang naglagay ng mga Labor Agency, Pulis o Autoridad na puedeng pagsumbungan. Hindi dahilan na gumawa ng masama kung inaabuso ka. Sinabi sa Biblia, “Akin ang paghihiganti; ako ang gaganti, sabi ng Panginoon” (Roma 12:19). Gawin mo lang na ipanalangin ang mga gumagawa ng masama sa iyo. I-alay o ihandog sa Diyos ang iyong trabaho o gawain. Sinabi ni San Mateo (Matthew 5:16), “Lumiwanag na gayon ang inyong ilaw sa harap ng mga tao; upang mangakita nila ang inyong mabubuting gawa, at kanilang luwalhatiin ang inyong Ama na nasa langit.”

“Sapagka’t ang Dios ay hindi liko upang limutin ang inyong gawa at ang pagibig na inyong ipinakita sa kaniyang pangalan , sa inyong paglilingk od sa mga banal, at hanggang ngayo’y nagsisipaglingkod kayo.” Aani ang gawang mabuti (Galatians 6:7-10), “Huwag kayong padaya; ang Dios ay hindi napabibiro: sapagka’t ang lahat na ihasik ng tao, ay siya namang aanihin niya. Sapagka’t ang naghahasik ng sa kaniyang sariling laman ay sa laman magaani ng kasiraan; datapuwa’t ang naghahasik ng sa Espiritu ay sa Espiritu magaani ng buhay na walang hanggan. At huwag tayong mangapagod sa paggawa ng mabuti: sapagka’t sa kapanahunan ay magsisipagani tayo, kung hindi tayo manganghihimagod. Kaya nga, samantalang tayo’y may pagkakataon, ay magsigawa tayo ng mabuti sa lahat, at lalong lalo na sa mga kasangbahay sa pananampalataya.”

Magpahinga sa gawain. May limitasyon ang katawan at isip ng tao kaya May kabuluhan ang mabubuting gawain ayon inutos ng Diyos sa Exodo 20:8-11, kay Apostol Pablo(1 Corinthians 15:58), “Alalahanin mo ang araw ng sabbath “Ka ya nga , mga k a pa t id k ong upang ipangilin. Anim na araw na minamahal, kayo’y magsitatag, huwag gagawa ka at iyong gagawin ang lahat makilos, na laging sumasagana sa gawa ng iyong gawain. Nguni’t ang ikapitong ng Panginoon, yamang nalalaman ninyo araw ay sabbath sa Panginoon mong na hindi walang kabuluhan ang inyong Dios: sa araw na iyan ay huwag kang gawa sa Panginoon.” gagawa ng anomang gawa, ikaw, ni ang iyong anak na lalake ni babae, ni Sa tutuo lang, itinalaga ang tao para sa mabuting ang iyong aliping lalake ni babae, ni gawa ayon kay Apostol Pablo (Ephesians 2:10), ang iyong baka, ni ang iyong tagaibang “Sapagka’t tayo’y kaniyang gawa, lupa na nasa loob ng iyong mga pintuang na nilalang kay Cristo Jesus para sa daan: Sapagka’t sa anim na araw ay mabubuting gawa, na mga inihanda ginawa ng Panginoon ang langit at lupa, ng Dios nang una upang siya nating ang dagat, at lahat ng nangaroon, at lakaran.” nagpahinga sa ikapitong araw; na ano pa’t pinagpala ng Panginoon ang araw Kailangan gamitin ang kaloob ng Diyos ng sabbath, at pinakabanal.” na abilidad, talino at kakayahan sa mabuting gawa, hindi sa masama. Itinuturing ang tao na Gusto niyang gamitin mo ang araw ng Linggo katiwala ng Diyos. Hindi kalilimutan ng Diyos ang mabubuting ginawa ng tao ( Hebrews 6:10), para mamahinga at sumamba sa Kanya.

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Sapat na ang anim na araw para sa gawaing pangkabuhayan. Sa kanya ang Linggo mo. Manumbalik ka sa Diyos. Balikan natin ang dahilan kung bakit nahiwalay ang tao sa hardin ng Diyos. Ito ay bunga ng pagsuway sa kautusan o kasunduan. Ito rin ang nagdala ng sumpa, kahirapan, at pagkahiwalay sa Diyos ng tao (Gen. 3; Roma 3:23; 6:23). Hindi makababalik ang tao sa hardin kung saan naruruon ang kahoy na magbibigay ng buhay na walang hanggan ayon sa Genesis 3:24, “Ano pa’t itinaboy ang lalake; at inilagay sa silanganan ng halamanan ng Eden ang mga Querubin at ang isang nagniningas na tabak na umiikot, upang ingatan ang daang patungo sa kahoy ng buhay.” Ang tabak ay simbolo ng kamatayan. Ang sino mang magpilit na pumasok sa hardin ng Diyos ay mamatay. Subalit, gumawa ng paraan ang Diyos na maipanumbalik ang tao sa kanyang hardin batay na rin sa pangako (Gen. 3:15). Kailangan lamang na may magbayad ng kasalanan. Ipinahayag ni propeta Isaias (53:4-6) kung sino ang itinalaga ng Diyos na mamatay para lamang ipanumbalik ang tao sa kanya, “Tunay na kaniyang dinala ang ating mga karamdaman, at dinala ang ating mga kapanglawan; gayon ma’y ating pinalagay siya na hinampas, sinaktan ng Dios, at dinalamhati. Ng uni’t siya’y nasugatan dahil sa ating mga pagsalangsang, siya’y nabugbog dahil sa ating mga kasamaan, ang parusa ng tungkol sa ating kapayapaan ay nasa kaniya; at sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang mga latay ay nagsigaling tayo. Tayong lahat na gaya ng mga tupa ay naligaw; tayo ay tumungo bawa’t isa sa kaniyang sariling daan; at ipinasan sa kaniya ng Panginoon ang kasamaan nating lahat.” Siya ang bugtong na Anak ng Diyos. Si Jesus ang umako ng ating kasalanan at siya ang tumawid sa nagniningas na tabak sa krus ng Kalbaryo upang mamatay.

“Yaong hindi nakakilala ng kasalanan ay kaniyang inaring may sala dahil sa atin: upang tayo’y maging sa kaniya’y katuwiran ng Dios” (2Cor. 5:21). Ang sino mang sumampalataya sa kanya ay tatanggap ng buhay na walang hangan (J u a n 5:24; 6:47) “K a t ot oh a n a n , katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, Ang dumirinig ng ak ing salita, at sumasampalataya sa k aniya na nagsugo sa akin, ay may buhay na walang hanggan, at hindi mapapasok sa paghatol, kundi lumipat na sa kabuhayan mula sa kamatayan.” Kung nais mong manumbalik sa hardin ng Diyos, maibalik sa tamang pananaw ang iyong pag-tratrabaho at maligtas sa sumpa at kamatayan, gawin mong manalangin ng ganito, “Panginoong Jesus, ako ay makasalanan. Pinagsisihan ko ang aking kasalanan, pagsuway at pagtalikod sa iyo. Patawarin mo ako. Sumasampalataya ako na ikaw ay namatay sa krus para sa kabayaran ng aking kasalanan. Tinatanggap kita bilang Panginoon ko at Tagapagligtas. Amen.” Ganito ang pangako sa Roma 10 : 9-13, “Sapagka’t kung ipahahayag mo ng iyong bibig si Jesus na Panginoon, at sasampalataya ka sa iyong puso na binuhay siyang maguli ng Dios sa mga patay ay maliligtas ka….Ang lahat na sa kaniya’y nagsisisampalataya ay hindi mapapahiya…..Sapagka’t, Ang lahat na nagsisitawag sa pangalan ng Panginoon ay mangaliligtas. Kaibigan Kung nagkaroon ng kahulugan sa iyo ito mangyari na i-text mo ang iyong pangalan at tirahan sa Kaibigan 0972921681. Bibigyan ka namin ng libreng babasahin at tumawag sa 2834-4127 para sa free Bible Study by mail.

Kaibigan

patotoo

by Daniel Nucum

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions they fail not. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

of a set of twins, but due to a combination of different aspects of my birth, I was born with a congenital disorder that resulted in a deformity in my wrists, feet and legs.

I was born the youngest of ten children. My parents were immigrants from the Philippines. As were most of my siblings. I am the younger

I am told that this required years of surgery and rehabilitation. I grew up attending a regular school in a small town. I learned to recognize my shortcomings and deal with it. I made many friends, some to which I have to this day.

ow ... a testimony!! Such a simple word that is used so much, but can have such a deep, meaningful revelation! I never thought that I would share this so openly. Then again, how can I not share what the Lord has done for me – and in me.

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However, reality had seemingly caught up with me and I began to discover, first hand, that this world can be really mean. How easy was it for people -- boys and girls, men and women -- to pick on the crippled kid? Deep down inside, I had a hard time coping, though on the outside, I didn’t want anyone to know that it was really getting to me. This eventually caused issues of inferiority. I learned quickly that if I was going to excel, it would be through academics. I was determined to not let anything stop me, though the feeling of inferiority never left me. Fast forward -- by the time I was 19 years old, I found myself in a seemingly secure career in Corporate Finance and Real Estate Development. Between the ages of 19 and 30, I “had it all.” I climbed the corporate ladder. I had gained the respect and admiration of my peers. I was traveling and meeting influential people all over the world. I started to believe that I could gain people’s respect and friendship through success, power, money, and material possession. It worked for a little bit, at least it seemed as if it did. In the midst of all that, I discovered a fastpaced world that I never knew before – a world I loved. I was hitting clubs from Orange County, Las Vegas, New York, Tokyo, Sydney, certainly, many more that I can not remember. It was then that I developed a liking for alcohol, marijuana and eventually, crack cocaine. An addiction, accompanied by what I later discovered to be mental, emotional and psychological issues. Through a series of other circumstances, I lost my position and partnership in the company. All my money was gone. My hunger for the “high-life” was such that I could not make enough, or have enough, to support the lifestyle. With all of that starting to fall away, it created even more problems of insecurity and self-worth. What started with a physical disability, now manifested to be so much more. I would have done anything (and I do mean, ANYTHING) just to “belong” again.

California State Prison for a number of things, but mainly. Grand Theft, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Check Fraud, Burglary and of all things ~ Assault with a Deadly Weapon. I still remember the day that I was first taken into custody. I was so depressed. I never thought that I could be in so much trouble. I slid into my bunk just wanting to die (and thinking of ways to do it) – constantly weeping into my pillow, like most people do when they are in that state of mind. It was then that the Lord started to reach to me. I knew the Lord prior to my incarceration (or at least I thought I did). I still remember that day well when I know I heard the Lord speaking to me. Out of the corner of my eye, though, there it was ... a Bible! There was a shiny cover on it with the title “You Can Be Free!” What a title to put on a Book when you are locked up. I thought they were toying with us inmates. Even with that though, I felt compelled to read it, as if He REALLY wanted to say something personally to me – and He did. I started with the New Testament and re-read how much God loved us and how Jesus came to die on the Cross for my sins. I came to the realization of how Jesus would have come and died for me, even if I was the only one that He needed to die for

I started to believe that I could gain people’s respect and friendship through success, power, money, and material possession

In the early 2000’s, I landed myself in a Kaibigan

The months, and years, went on and I had an increasing desire to know more of God’s everlasting love I read where He pleaded with the nation of Israel to return to Him to escape judgment – and then discovered the parallels between the lives of the Israelites and my own life. In retrospect, I can remember certain times in my life where God was calling out to me, pleading for me – even during the hard times in my childhood, the crazy “party years” and in every event leading to my incarceration. It was then that I finally realized how much I needed a Savior ... and then through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, I cried out to God once more, and accepted his gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, my Lord. The Lord touched my heart and showed me that my prison time was not just to pay my debt to society, but it was a time of affliction in in which the Lord proved how much I truly needed Him and be drawn back to Him. The Bible also says that “. . . only in Your faithfulness am I afflicted.” and that “God chastises those He loves.”

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God showed me what restoration really means! It is restoration of lost relationships ... restoration of His plans and purposes for my life ... but most of all, restoration back to Him ... through Christ Jesus my Lord! Perhaps you have never received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It starts with only one prayer. He is waiting for you as He was for me. “Father, I know that I have sinned against you. I am truly sorry. I want to turn away from my past sinful life. Please forgive me. I believe that your Son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.” To God Be the Glory!!

Kaibigan

pampamilya

Use Rules to Teach Values

very family has rules. As children grow older the rules change but the underlying values stay the same. For example, the three-year-old who isn’t permitted out of the house without supervision, may be allowed to play in the front or back yard when he is five. The ten-yearold may be required to check in if leaving the neighborhood, and the teenager must report in at certain times. Because the child is growing older, the boundaries are expanded. The rules change but the underlying values of safety and accountability remain the same. Some parents focus too much on the rules without explaining the values behind them. This becomes especially difficult for teens who are in that God-given stage of questioning. They are developing their own value system and evaluating whether they want to embrace the same values as their parents. For this reason, many teens challenge the rules they’ve grown up with. If they don’t understand the underlying values, they miss some very important lessons. Parents who have used family rules to teach values provide their growing child with an ability to translate the restrictions of life into principles for living. The child who learns the value of guarding what types of movies she watches because parents set a rule of no PG-13 rated movies when she’s ten-years-old, will grow up with a greater ability

to withstand the temptation of watching an unwholesome movie that may look attractive in the previews. That doesn’t guarantee that she will always make the right choice but she has been equipped with a deeper understanding of the values behind the rules. The child learns the ability to live within limits and that going outside of a particular boundary has consequences. Take time to evaluate the values behind the rules i n y o u r f a m i l y a n d t h e n l o o k f o r opportunities to explain them to your children. You’ll help your kids grow in wisdom about life. Proverbs 1:8-9 is just one of the many passages that explain the importance of communicating wisdom to children. Kaibigan ________________________________ This parenting tip comes from our teaching on developing the conscience in children. You can learn more in the audio series, Everyday Parents Can Raise Extraordinary Kids. The recordings are available on CD or MP3. Make this summer a growing experience for everyone in the family. www.biblicalparenting.org Copyright ©2012 National Center for Biblical Parenting

Kaibigan

Inspiring and Informative

Kaibigan magazine is very inspiring and I love reading it. It is very informative and gives more understanding about the Word of God. Thank you for all the staff of Kaibigan magazine, more power and God bless you all! MARTINA SAMBRANA TAIPEI CITY

Help and Inspiration

Kaibigan magazine helps me a lot. It encourages me for all its valuable contents and makes my faith in God to be deeper and stronger. God bless this magazine to be always there to help us and inspire us. JOYCE DELFIN SANCHONG

Inspires and Encourages

Kaibigan magazine inspires us especially those who don’t have day offs. The comments and testimonies and life stories about how Jesus walks with us and helps us in our lives shared in this magazine encourages us. Thank you and God bless us all! JUANITA ESPERANZA SONGSHAN TAIPEI CITY

Inspirational

Kaibigan magazine is inspirational. It helps us lighten our burdens and weary soul. More power to all the staff! To God be the glory! FLOCERFIDA MAGLIEMOT TAISHAN NEW TAIPEI CITY

Very Inspiring

Kaibigan magazine is very inspiring sa katulad kong walang day off. Paulit-ulit kong binabasa at nabawasan ang stress at homesickness at marami akong natutunan patungkol kay Lord, my Savior. Thank you for sending me Kaibigan magazine.

FLORDELIZA GAMBOA YANCHAO

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Precious Gift

Kaibigan magazine is one of the precious gift that I’ve got here in Taiwan. I love reading it because it lifts up my spiritual life. Thank you and God bless! LUZVIMINDA ADALLA NEIHU TAIPEI

Grow Spiritually

Kaibigan magazine really is keeping me inspired and encouraged. Thank God for Kaibigan that I’ve learned a lot to grow spiritually and to be closer to God. God bless you all more and more! MICHELLE SORIA TAICHUNG CITY

Very Inspiring

Reading Kaibigan magazine is very inspiring. It helps me restore my faith to my one and only Savior Jesus Christ. From the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you to all the staff of Kaibigan magazine. MARY JANE MACALINAO KAOHSIUNG CITY

Panginoon ay Natagpuan

Ang puso ko’y puno ng pagpupuri’t pasasalamat sa ating Panginoong Hesus at Siya ay aking natagpuan sa Kaibigan magazine sa pagbabasa nito at sa aking pag-enroll sa BSCC. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng nagbigay ng panahon at kaalaman upang mabuo ang Kaibigan magazine at sa pagtulong ninyo sa pagpalaganap ng BSCC at makarating ang mabuting balita sa mga nangangailangan nito. God bless you all! VENUS BABASA NANZHOU TOWNSHIP

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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.

parola (lighthouse prison ministry)

Peace with God

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ--Romans 5:1

t seems like everyone in the world, no matter who you are or where you are, is searching for peace. Nations are trying to live in peace with each other, that means no more war. People in cities are trying to live in peace with each other, that means safe places to live, no violence, no crime, everyone getting along well with those living near them. These are all good searches for “peace” but what about an even more important kind of peace, that is, peace with God. Are you “at peace with God?” From the Bible we learn that, “peace with God,” is a feeling that should be important to every person because this is the truest form of peace in the world. “Peace with God,” means that we know who God is, that we understand that he is the One True God, and that we can have a friendship with God that comes through Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, there can’t be any peace with God and without peace with God, no one can have any feeling of confidence and trust about the future. Even people who are very rich, we know, will one day die, then what good will all their money be to them? People who are famous, or who have high positions, one day, they will grow old, and they will not be so beautiful or handsome, or they will have to retire, lost their position, then who will care about them? There are some things that should be important to every person, and the most important of all should be peace with God. Even if you are not rich, you have no money, you have not had a very good life so far, yet because you have peace with God, you have nothing to worry about because you can sure your future for all time and forever, even after you die, will be good for since God promises a place for you in heaven. The Bible tells us that God has prepared a “mansion” for each of us in heaven, and Jesus has promised that we will live in that mansion after we leave this earth. Some people think everything that happens to them is a matter of luck, so that lucky people have a good life, unlucky people have a bad life. Or others think that those who are the smartest or work the hardest have a good

life, and those who do not work hard will not have a successful life. The most important thing to remember is that, whatever happens in this life, whether it is good or bad, lucky or unlucky, happy or unhappy, this life is only temporary, even the luckiest of people only live to 100 years old. We all must die. But after that, we live forever, what happens to us after we die is not about luck, being smart, or working hard. Our eternal life depends 100% upon our knowing and believing in Jesus as our Savior, who brings us, “peace with God,” and the assurance of our eternal life in heaven. It is never too late to think about. “peace with God,”

in fact, right now, as you read this article, is a good time to think about making “peace with God.” And learning about Jesus as your Friend. If you want to find true peace with God, write us a letter at Kaibigan Magazine, we will send you more things to read, in whatever language you want to read, to learn about peace with God. God is holding out His hand to you, because God wants you to know the truth. Don’t turn your back to God. Write a letter to us, or write a note to one of the Bible teachers, let us know that you want to find peace with God.” Kaibigan __________________________ Article written by Atty. Fredrick N. Voigtmann and translated into Chinese Traditional and Simplified, and Thai.

Kaibigan

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Kaibigan

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My journey with bipolar disorder.

by Tony Roberts

n 1995, I was a young, ambitious pastor serving a small village church in Northeastern Pennsylvania. One Sunday, I delivered a sermon on human illness and divine healing in which I shared these words: When we become ill, it is important to listen to our bodies and pray that God help us make necessary changes. Our ailments may be blessings in disguise. We may be expecting too much from ourselves, or avoiding things we need to face. As we listen to our bodies, talk and reflect with others, and pray together, we can gain spiritual insight which will help us live healthier, more productive, more abundant lives. The next day, I was in the seclusion room of Clarion psychiatric hospital. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. “Prophetic” prognosis Over the coming weeks, I was told I would never work as a pastor again, that my marriage would likely end, and that I would spend the rest of my life in and out of psychiatric hospitals. That was the prognosis for my illness. Some on my treatment

team and in my faith community seemed to steer me toward such a “prophetic” outcome as if it were divine will. I was advised by ministry supervisors to label my diagnosis a form of depression (not technically a lie) because manic-depression (as it was commonly called then) was often envisioned as a recipe for doing the “thorazine shuffle” for the rest of your life in bunny slippers, with permanent bed-head. Yet, in spite of the fear of that stigma, God’s grace was abundant. In the face of chronic mental illness, divine healing started to kick in—not through relief of my symptoms, but through the prayers, support, and encouragement of family and friends, particularly those within the church.

“I

can say with confidence that the church can be a place of healing for those with mental illness. It has been that for me. ” Kaibigan

Having experienced God’s delight with my community in the midst of my disorder, I can say with confidence that the church can be a place of healing for those with mental illness. It has been that for me. My story is not the story of many, however. Many with troubled minds feel abandoned, rejected, and shunned by the church.

separated from my wife and children. I’m still on disability and struggle to maintain a low-stress part-time job. Some days I barely make it out of bed and other days my mind wanders fast and furious into frenetic false turns. Still, by God’s grace and through the support of God’s people, I have discovered delight even in my disorder.

After returning to work, I visited an elderly woman, a long-time member of the church who had suddenly stopped coming to worship. She greeted me at the door with a scowl. “I thought Christians weren’t supposed to get depressed.” “Well,” I said, “There were certainly many godly people in the Bible who did.” I then opened my Bible, and read:

As much delight as I’ve discovered in my disorder within the church, there have also been moments where the sting of stigma has stabbed me in the gut. When I accepted a call to serve a small village church in Upstate New York, I told the ministry supervisor of my diagnosis. He wisely advised me to selectively disclose it to key leaders when the time was right so they could best help me lead.

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” (Psalm 42:1-3) She started tearing up. “I’ve been depressed all my life. I was taught it was wrong.” Moving toward healing How do we as a faith community move forward so that folks with a serious mental illness (like me) move toward healing? One good first step, I believe, is confessional confrontation—simply sharing our stories within communities willing to listen. Not just in closed anonymous groups of like-minded victims, but in open fellowship where people with all sorts of brokenness eagerly seek healing in Christ. Stereotypes and stigma about mental illness flow from our failure to recognize distinct stories. My story is not the story of a conventional person with a mental illness, or even a typical pastor with bipolar disorder. It is also not necessarily a success story in the eyes of the world. I am currently

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On the night of the welcoming reception, spirits were high and the grape juice was flowing. One woman, not known for her discretion, told me she had worked at the nearby psychiatric center before the state closed it down in favor of communitybased care. “Yeah, they let all the schizophrenics and bipolars out and had to build more prisons,” she said. I smiled and replied, “This chicken is delicious.” Worn and weary fingers It’s time that folks mired in the mud and muck of surviving each day, clinging to faith with worn and weary fingers take the risk of speaking up. Sharing our stories through confessional confrontation will not stop the stigma overnight, but in time it will build relationships such that the Spirit of healing can come. Churches, communities, and individual believers can move toward this better day by being safe havens for folks with disordered minds to discover divine delight within the body of Christ. Kaibigan ______________________________________ Tony Roberts is a freelance author, blogger, and speaker, and the author of Delight in Disorder: Ministry, Madness, Mission. Copyright Christianity Today. Use with permission by Leadership Journal. leadershipjournal.net

Is Children’s Ministry Important by Edward and Eileen Wood

(Awana Missionaries of East Asia)

hildren! Everyone has an opinion about children. Are they a bother, a joy, a hope for the future or important because they are human beings created by God. Everyone is face to face with children every day, in magazines, movies, books, TV, school and out and about on the streets and public transportation. But! What does the word of God say about children; how important are they to God. The Word of God has much to say. In Deuteronomy 6 parents and children’s workers are to speak and teach about God when they get up, when they sit down, when they walk in the way, and when they go to bed. In other words, teaching and training God’s principles should occur all the time. Jesus spoke about children in Mark 10. It is the only time in scripture that Jesus used the strongest word for rebuke when He rebuked the disciples for not letting the children come to Him. He also said that we all should come to Him with the same childlike trust that children have. Ed and Eileen Wood being convinced of the importance of evangelizing and discipling children have been involved in children’s ministry throughout their 43 years of marriage. They were youth leaders, children’s church teachers, Sunday School teachers and ran a Christian Youth retreat center. They also raised 3 children. When their children were young, they joined the Awana Club in a local church. The Woods quickly understood the value of this ministry in its emphasis on evangelism, scripture memory and discipleship and worked as leaders in the Club. When the Lord called them to overseas ministry they joined Awana Clubs International as official commissioned missionaries in 1999. After this training they were sent to Sendai, Japan to start Awana Clubs. After 1 year they were moved to

Taipei, Taiwan to enlarge the fledgling Awana Ministry there. Since their arrival in 2001 they have established the National Office, helped train local Awana Missionaries Damian and Clarissa Chee, supervised the running of the National office and the translation of the Awana materials into Chinese. Ed and Eileen also ministered to the English speaking clubs and military bases in Korea, Japan and Guam and helped to establish and grow Awana in Hong Kong. They are blessed to be a part of raising up such a good ministry. Testimonies of salvation, baptism, Christian growth and families coming to know the Lord have verified the value of the Awana ministry. Our prayer and vision for Taiwan is that the pastors would realize the need to intentionally disciple the children. We also pray that they will equip Christian parents with the tools and skills to spiritually train their children. Ed and Eileen believe that ministering to children so that they grow up to be vibrant serving Christians is a very important thing. It is the most important thing that a child will come to know, love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Children are the hope and promise of the churches and Taiwan. Ed and Eileen are on their 15th year in Taiwan serving churches and encouraging pastors. Their goal has always been to help pastors get a vision for training up children in spiritual things. They have a deep love for the people of Taiwan and a great desire to see Christian revival here. They thank God for the opportunity to serve in Asia and for the many wonderful relationships God has allowed them to develop. Children are important!! What part will you play to see them come to know, love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ? Kaibigan Kaibigan

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Jesus on the Air by Sean P. Harlow

(LCMS Mission Outreach Coordinator Taiwan & The Philippine Islands)

raise the Lord for his provision to the JOTA (Jesus On The Air) Filipino Fellowship who have been able to meet in an actual church setting at Song Shan Lutheran Church in the Xinyi District very near Taipei City Hall. The fellowship was able to meet for the first time on Sunday July 27th earlier this Summer. Over 20 people from the Taipei area as well as members from Taichung were able to join Over six years ago, since June, 2008, the group started out with 5 people on the roof top of the home of one of the church members. The JOTA group was also able to organize daily opportunities for bible study and prayer time through the use of SKYPE and other inexpensive phone calling services. Even today JOTA is able to hold these bible studies/devotion/prayer meetings 2 times a day between the hours of 1:30-2:30 PM & 8-9 PM. Many of the participants come from different cities & locations throughout Taiwan, the Philippines (Specifically Cavite ) and multiple cities around the World Eventually the JOTA Fellowship had to hold services at Rongxing Park in the Zhongshan District near Xingtian Temple off of Mingchuan E. Road, and other various nearby parks due to the lack of a viable indoor meeting place. However, the intention and goal of reaching lost, broken and hurting souls was still being met every week through regular worship services even when it was raining and windy, or severely hot or cold outside. Our faithful and Mighty Lord was still able to do His work in amazing and wonderful ways. A small group of Filipina ladies are still able to meet regularly at Rongxing park on Monday and Thursdays for afternoon bible study and of course enjoy many wonderful foods and treats as is traditional for Filipino gatherings. Unfortunately many Filipinas are not able to have any full days off from work. Sometimes it is even difficult to negotiate just a few hours free from work. However, the Lord is still able

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to show his compassion and wisdom in allowing the ladies to bring their elderly person or children that they care for to the park, and in addition, these Taiwanese folks are able to be exposed to genuine Christian Fellowship. Everyone present ends up departing from these fellowships being so blessed and encouraged by one another, and of course refreshed as well by God’s word and promises. Speaking of God’s goodness, and answer to prayers, the JOTA Fellowship is so Blessed with the provision of Songshan Church and a regular Cool (during the Hot Summer Months) Place to meet and worship. Prior to this, it was so difficult to try to find one single place consistently every Sunday that every once could find and meet at. Now as the weeks go by, everyone is able to easily find Songshan church just a 5 minute walk from the Yongchun MRT Station on the Blue line. Now that we are at Songsan Church, we are able to truly prepare our hearts to gather and hold a spirit lifting and church service with all the ingredients of Praise & Worship time, the sharing of encouraging testimonies, bible based messages, communion and tithing, and of course Traditional Filipino style Fellowship meals afterwards in a wonderfully blessed fellowship hall. We want to especially Thank the President of the CELC (China Evangelical Lutheran Church – Taiwan) Andrew Miao, and the members of Songshan church for providing not only a place to meet but also their kind and generous hospitality. We ask the Lord to help us to grow deeply in our spiritual life, as we faithfully use our talents & spiritual gifts that the Lord has entrusted us. And in the meantime, we give ALL GLORY and Honor and Praise to our loving God and Savior Jesus Christ. THANKS BE TO GOD! Kaibigan Kaibigan

ni Pastor Paul Ko

agpasimula ang Estados Unidos nuong 1811 na kumolekta at mag-file ng mga sulat gaya ng tinanggap nuong February 6, 1974: “I am sending ten dollars for blankets I stole while in World War II. My mind could not rest. Sorry I’m late.” Pinirmahan ito ng isang exGI. At ganito ang postscript: “I want to be ready to meet with God.” Hindi lamang nangongolekta at nag pa-file ng mga sulat na ganito, nagtatag na rin ang Treasury Department nang fund at pinangalanan ito ng “Conscience Fund.” Mula nang nasimulan ang pondong ito, nakatanggap na ng pitong milyon mula sa mga mamamayang binabagabag ng kanilang budhi (Max Lucado, Six Hours One Friday). Ano ba ang budhi? Marami ang nagsasabi na ito daw ay tinig ng Diyos. Ang malimit na ginagamit na talinhaga sa budhi ay ang “tinig ng kalooban” o “ilaw ng kalooban.” Ang budhi ay bigay ng Diyos na kapasidad sa tao upang ma check ang sariling desisyon pang moral. Ito ay naglalarawan ng kamalayang moral (self-awareness) ng isang tao. Ito ay sumusuri ng desisyon ng tao batay sa mga natutuhang pamantayan at pinahahalagahan. Lahat ng tao ay may budhi. Ganito ang sabi ng Biblia, “Ipinapak ita nila na nakasulat sa kanilang mga puso ang gawa ng kautusan. Nagpapatotoo rin ang kanilang budhi at sa bawat isa ang kanilang isipan ang umuusig o kaya ay nagtatanggol sa kanila” (Roma 2:14-15).

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Makikilala ang presensiya ng budhi kapag nanumbat ito kung mayroon nalabag sa mga pamatantayan o pinahahalagahan moralidad. Gaya ng mga Hudyo na babatuhin sana ang babaing nahuli sa pangangalunya ngunit nang sabihin ni Jesus na unang bumato ang hindi nagkakasala ay “Sila na nakarinig nito ay sinumbatan ng kanilang mga budhi. Dahil dito, sila ay isa-isang lumabas, simula sa matatanda hanggang sa kahuli-hulihan. Naiwan si Jesus gayundin ang babae na nakatayo sa kalagitnaan”( John 8:9). Subalit ang budhi ay hindi final authority sa ethical na ugali o moral na asal. Bakit? Sapagkat may madumi, madungis, at manhid na budhi ayon kay Apostol Pablo. Nagbabago at na-de-develop ang budhi ng tao kaya hindi sapat na batayan ang budhi para pagbatayan ng asal o ugali o gagawin. Kailangan suriin at turuan ang budhi sa katotohanan. Tinukoy ng Biblia ang iba’t ibang uri ng budhi mayroon ang tao. Manhid na budhi. Sinabi ng Biblia, “Ang mga taong ito ay nagsasalita ng kasinungalingan na may pagpapaimbabaw. Ang kanilang budhi ay pinaso” (Timothy 4 :2 ). May mga pinasong budhi sapagkat wala silang pakiramdam sa kalooban at Salita ng Diyos. Walang hiya sa Diyos ang kanilang budhi. Kaya nga yung taong sanay sumuway sa Diyos, walang muwang at pakiramdam sa turo ng Diyos.

Ang sinasabi ng kanilang budhi ay ginagawa naman ng lahat ang magnakaw, mangalunya, magsinungaling, mandurugas kaya bakit hindi ko rin gawin? Aprubado ng kanilang budhi ang maling gawa kasi manhid nga. Nadungisan na budhi. Sinabi pa rin ng Biblia, Sa taong malinis, ang lahat ng mga bagay ay malinis. Ngunit sa lahat ng nadungisan at hindi sumasampalataya ay walang bagay na malinis. Subalit ang kanilang pag-iisip at budhi ay nadungisan” (Titus 1:15). Ito nga ang dahilan kung bakit nasasabi natin sa mga taong nakagawa ng bagay na masama, “wala atang budhi iyan.” Nasasabi natin ito sa mga politikong kasama sa Pork Barrel Scam, sa mga mamamatay tao, sa mga nang-aagaw ng asawa o sexual abusers, mga magnanakaw at mga kriminal. Actually, ang mga taong ito ay mayroong budhi, subalit corrupted nga lang. Naging corrupt ang budhi ng tao mula ng bumagsak sa kasalanan (Genesis 3). Ikaw at ako man ay may bahid ng dungis ang budhi kung tutuong susuriin. Matatanto natin ito tuwing nagbubulag-bulagan o tikum bibig tayo kapag may injustice gaya ng may inaapi, pinagnakawan, pinagsamantalahan, ngunit ayaw natin maki-alam o tumulong. Sa tutuo, ang nadungisang budhi ay nanunumbat at sinasabi na mas tama ang huwag ma-involved at baka mapahamak ang sarili. Ito ang mga palatandaan na tayo man ay may manhid o nadungisang budhi. Lumalabas na kunsintidor pa ang budhi sa kasalanang ginawa ng iba dahil ayaw masangkot sa mga pangyayari. Nakikita rin ang manhid nating budhi kapag umiiwas tayo sa panawagan ng Diyos. Mabuting budhi. Layon ng Diyos na magkaroon ang tao ng mabuti at dalisay na budhi. Ito ang sinabi ng Biblia, “Ngunit ang layunin ng utos na ito ay pag-ibig na mula sa isang pusong dalisay, isang mabuting budhi at walang pakunwaring pananampalataya” (1 Timothy 1:5). Paano magkaroon ng mabuting budhi? Ganito ang payo ni Apostol Pablo, “Dapat na manangan sila sa hiwaga ng pananampalataya na taglay ang isang

malinis na budhi” (1 Timothy 3:9). Ang walang pagkukunwaring pagkilala at pananalig kay Jesu Cristo ang tinutukoy na hiwaga ng pananampalataya. Pananalig na si Jesus ang nagbayad ng iyong kasalanan at naglilinis ng iyong budhi sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pagkamatay, pagkalibing at pagkabuhay na muli. Pananalig na si Jesus ang tanging daan, katotohanan at buhay (Juan 14:6). Pananalig na si Cristo ang anak ng Diyos na Tagapagligtas. Hindi kayang baguhin o linisin ng tao ang sariling budhi. Hindi kayang linisin ng mga rituwal na pagsamba o ng ano mang relihiyon ang nadungisang budhi (Hebreo 9:9; 10:2). Kailangan lumapit sa Diyos mismo sa pamamagitan ni Cristo na may sinserado o tutuong puso. Kailangang manalig na dugo lamang ni Cristo ang maglilinis ng iyong maruming budhi batay sa pag-asa at pangako ng Diyos na tapat at hindi nagsisinungaling. “How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God” (Hebreo 9:14, 10:22-23). Mahinang budhi. Ang sino man manalig kay Cristo ay nangangailangang palaguin ang nilinis na budhi niya sa aral ng Diyos mula sa Biblia. Ito ay upang lumakas at patatagin ang budhi sa mga katotohanan batay sa Biblia (1 Cor. 8:7). Madali pa silang madapa sa pananalig dahil sa mahina pa ang budhi (Roma 14). Gaya ng batang kapapanganak pa lang, kailangang painumin ng gatas. Kailangang pakanin ng masustansiyang pagkain upang lumakas. Mula ng nalinis ng Diyos ang budhi ni Pablo, nagpapatutuo na ang kanyang budhi sa ginagawa ng Diyos sa kanyang buhay (2Cor. 1:12-13). Nagagawa na niyang itatwa ang mga dating maruming sekreto at nakakahiyang gawain niya na labag sa Diyos. Hindi na bulag ang kanyang budhi sa katotohanan gaya ng mga walang pananampalataya kay Cristo (2 Cor. 4:4). Kumusta ang iyong budhi? Manhid? Nadungisan? Bulag? Mahina? O mabuti? Handa Kaibigan ka na bang humarap sa Diyos? --------------------------------------------------------------Kung nagkaroon ng kahulugan sa iyo ng kahulugan ang mensaheng ito, mangyari na i-text mo ng iyong pangalan at address sa 0922300808 at padadalhan ka naming ng libreng Bible study Lessons. Kung may prayer request ka o tanong, paki-email sa revpaul33@gmail.com.

Kaibigan

bscc corner ROSINE BAJON – TAIPEI CITY

I was raised by my sister, who supported me. I don’t feel there was love on my life, only hatred to all people. I didn’t have friends and I spoke to people in sarcastic way. I got married too young expecting love from the man I had chosen. My marriage ended in divorce. I was blessed with three kids but being a single parent was a tough responsibility so I decided to go abroad for work in Saudi Arabia. For 6 years I worked in Saudi Arabia and then I went to Taiwan to support my children’s education. Being a grandmother of two grandchildren has not changed my character and attitude. It was 2012, when my friend invited me to enroll in BSCC, I refused it then, I told her that I had a Bible and I read it everyday but I could not understand a word. My friend helped me to decide to enroll and to start BSCC, I asked God to help me understand every word I read so I can use it in my daily life. The best thing that happened next was the time when I was about to finish the course when sister Ana Ong requested her brother Alex to pray with me the salvation prayer. The time when I accepted our Lord Jesus as my personal Savior that I felt the Holy Spirit presence in me; I felt happy, I cried tears of joy, that’s the best blessing I received. Since then my life became sweet, I became peaceful. BSCC has helped me to understand the Bible and I can feel the presence of the Holy Spirit has changed my life. MARILLYN C. CASTRO – CHIAYI CITY

I want to thank God for guiding and supporting the staff of BSCC, through them, I’ve come to know and learn more about our Savior, who sacrificed for our Salvation. It’s a very big help for us who do not have a day-off and cannot attend church. We are lucky that BSCC is there to help us, we will always be reminded and know more about Jesus Christ and our duty and responsibility as His children, our responsibility to our fellowmen and to our country. MODESTA CURAN – TAIPEI CITY

Glory to God in the Highest Amen! I thank God for BSCC, because it helps me to learn more of God’s word and it reminds me that every time I will face trials that God is faithful. It also guides me to live a holy life and to grow in faith in our Lord Jesus Christ’s goodness and grace.

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MARCIANA MAMAYSON – TAIPEI CITY

Praise God for giving me this wonderful opportunity to study “GOD’S WORD” through BSCC, it helps me understand and learn the word of God, I become more prayerful and always make a time to talk with Him, because I know every burden that you have there’s always an answer. Just look at Him, confess and have faith on Him. “THANK YOU LORD.” FLORDELIZA OPLIC – TAIPEI CITY

I am blessed to be one of the students of BSCC, it was a great opportunity for me to learn each lessons. Going further with all those courses; it has a great impact and value that I must apply in my own life. It increases my knowledge and strengthens my faith. Despite of my ups and down, it helps me unload the burden and uplifts me in facing those circumstances in my life. It made my relationship to God more meaningful through His words. MARIA CLARITA M. DE VEGA - KAOSHIUNG

Nagpapasalamat ako sa Panginoon at ipinagkaloob niya sa akin na makapag-aral sa BSCC, na kahit walang day-off ay nakapagbabasa ako ng mga salita ng Panginoon at kahit papaano ay nakapagpapawala ng homesick ko at talagang ramdam ko na andito talaga iyong presensiya Niya pag may problema ako. Araw-araw nagpapasalamat ako sa mga blessing na binibigay niya sa akin. Thanks sa BSCC at naging parte ako ng kanilang pag-aaral na kahit andito lang ako sa loob ng bahay ay para ko na rin pinakain iyong kaluluwa ko ng mga salita ng Panginoon, pag may natatanggap ako ng mga BSCC lessons. Marami po akong natutunan sa pag-aaral sa BSCC. Glory to God!! Kaibigan Ang Bible Study Correspondence Course (BSCC), ay sunod-sunod na aralin by topic sa Biblia kung saan kalakip ang babasahin na sasagutin at pagkatapos basahin at sagutin ay ibabalik sa amin by mail. Ang sino mang nagnanais na humingi ng libreng aralin na ito ay sumulat sa amin dito sa: Taipei International Church Bible Correspondence Course-Tagalog Fellowship #248, 7F, Chungshan N. Rd. Sec.6, Shihlin, Taipei 111 Ibigay ang complete address (printed) at kung maaari pati na ang contact number na puwedeng tawagan. Kung puedeng isulat sa Chinese ang address, mas mabuti. You can also text us or call sa BSCC Hotline-0922300808

Mahal na Bible (BSCC) Student, Magandang araw sa biyaya at kapayapaan ng ating Panginoong Jesu Cristo. Naranasan mo na ang matanggap ang biyaya ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng Free Bible Study Correspondence Course. Natutunan mo ang mga katotohanan mula sa Biblia tungkol sa Diyos, Jesu Cristo, Banal na Spirito, Kaligtasan sa kasalanan, kapatawaran at iba pa at nakamtan mo rin ang iyong paglago sa spirituwal na buhay. Nakita mo na rin ang bentahe ng kurso para sa mga Overseas Filipino Contract worker na kagaya mo na hindi maka-attend ng church fellowship at service ngunit nakapag-aaral ng Biblia sa iyong panahon, sa iyong lugar at sa iyong sariling bilis gaya ng iyong personal na naranasan. Sa bawat buwan, 30 applikante ang nag nanais mag-enroll sa BSCC ngunit sampu lamang ang puedeng tanggapin dahil ito lamang ang kayang suportahan ng budget ng BSCC sa ngayon. Kailangan natin ng pondo para maibili ng Bible lesson, envelop, stamps, office supplies upang ma-enroll natin ang mga applikante nag-iintay. Sinabi ng Biblia, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ang nagbibigay ng binhi sa manghahasik at nagbibigay ng tinapay na makakain ay siya ring magpaparami ng inyong ani. Pararamihin din niya ang bunga ng inyong katuwiran.â&#x20AC;?-2 Corinto 9:10 Ang mga dahilan ito ang nagpalakas ng aming loob na sulatan kayo upang bigyan kayo nang opportunidad na suportahan ang mga nag-iintay

na ma-enroll sa BSCC gaya rin ng suportang tinanggap ninyo sa mga sponsors nauna sa inyo. 2,000 NTD ang kailangan sa bawat estudyante upang matapos ang buong kurso ng BSCC. Puede kayong maging sponsor ng bagong BSCC student, partial or full sponsor kung ano ang nasasa puso ninyo. Paano makilahok sa pag-suporta sa ibang estudyante? Mangyari lamang na (1) Ipanalangin ang BSCC Ministry (2) mag-donate ng makakayanang halaga partial or full. Paano maipapadala ang donasyon? Tatlong Paraan: 1. Registered mail. BSCC - Tagalog Fellowship #248, 7F, Chungshan North Road, Section 6, Taipei City, Taiwan 111 Tel.# 02-28337444 Fax: 02-28352778 2. Postal money order. 3. Mag deposito sa aming Postal Account Number 50072009 (Use Postal Money Transfer form attached. See back of this page to see how to fill up the form). Warning: Huwag magpadala sa ordinary mail dahil nawawala o makukumpiska. Kung nanaisin mo, puede ka mag request ng BSCC quarterly report upang masundan mo ang gawain. Maraming salamat sa iyong pakiki-isa sa misyon ng Diyos para sa ikaliligtas ng mga kaluluwa. Ito na ang inyong heavenly investment.

Kaibigan

pangkalusugan

5 Foods That Make You Look Younger

at the right cheese, nuts and more to reverse the aging process

1. Oatmeal Non-processed (read: not instant) versions of this breakfast favorite are packed with amino acids and vitamin E, which nourish your skin, combat sun damage and counteract aging free radicals.

2. Coffee Caffeine helps constrict and stimulate blood vessels to give skin a more even appearance. So savor that cup o’ joe—or take a few sips right before you want to look your absolute best. 3. Mozzarella Cheese Brighter-looking teeth can take years off your face. Foods high in calcium, like mozzarella (even lowfat options), protect and strengthen the enamel of your teeth. They also increase the production of saliva, which helps fight off yellowing bacteria. 4. Grapefruit The vitamin C packed in this nutritious citrus fruit promotes collagen growth, which helps prevent sagging skin. 5. Walnuts This nut is high in omega-3 fatty acids that increase the moisture levels in your skin and help plump up wrinkles. Toss a few into your salad to reap the benefits. Kaibigan ___________________________________________ Article written by Woman’s Day Staff SOURCES: Joseph Banker, DMD, Founder, Creative Dental Care, Westfield, NJ. Gervaise Gerstner, MD, New York City medical and cosmetic dermatologist. Gary Goldenberg, MD, Medical Director of Dermatology Faculty Practice, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City. Debra Luftman, MD, dermatologist and simple advisory board member. Mario Russo, owner, Salon Mario Russo, Boston ©2014 Hearst Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

june-september 2014

thai corner

Kaibigan

indonesian corner

Kegembiaraan Dalam Gangguan Penyakit Perjalanan saya bersama gangguan bipolar Oleh: Tony Roberts

ada tahun 1995, saya adalah pastor muda, berambisius yang melayani di sebuah gereja di desa kecil timur laut Pennsylvania. Pada suatu hari Minggu, saya memberikan khotbah tentang penyakit pada manusia dan mukjizat kesembuhan pada mana saya berbagi kata-kata berikut: Ketika kita sakit, adalah penting untuk mendengarkan tubuh kita dan berdoa kepada Tuhan untuk membantu kita membuat perubahan yang perlu. Penyakit kita mungkin merupakan berk ah yang tersembunyi. Kita mungk in mengharapkan terlalu banyak untuk diri kita sendiri, atau menghindari hal-hal yang perlu kita hadapi. Ketika kita mendengarkan tubuh kita, berbicara dan mencerminkan dengan yang lain, dan berdoa bersama, kita akan mendapatkan wawasan rohani yang akan membantu kita hidup lebih sehat, lebih produktif, kehidupan lebih berlimpah. Hari berikutnya, saya berada di ruang khalwat rumah sakit psikiatrik Clarion. Saya terdiagnosa akan gangguan bipolar. Ramalan “Profetik” Pada minggu-minggu mendatang, saya diberitahu tidak akan pernah bekerja sebagai pastor lagi, bahwa pernikahan saya mungkin akan berakhir, dan saya mungkin menghabiskan sisa hidup saya dengan masuk dan keluar rumah sakit psikiatrik. Itu adalah ramalan untuk penyakit saya. Beberapa orang dari tim perawatan saya dan orang dalam komunitas kepercayaan saya tampaknya

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mengarahkan saya ke arah hasil “profetik” yang seakan-akan telah ditakdirkan dengan baik. Saya dinasehati oleh pembimbing pelayanan untuk memberi label diagnosis saya sebagai suatu bentuk depresi (secara teknis bukan merupakan kebohongan) karena depresi maniak (sebagaimana disebut selanjutnya secara umum) sering dibayangkan sebagai resep untuk melakukan “shuffle thorazine” untuk sisa hidup Anda dalam istirahat, selamanya dengan tampilan seperti baru bangun dari ranjang. Namun, selain ketakutan atas kekurangan tersebut, anugrah Tuhan sangatlah berlimpah. Dalam menghadapi penyakit mental kronis, mukjizat kesembuhan telah mulai – bukan melalui meringankan gejala saya, namun melalui doa-doa, bantuan dan pemberian semangat dari keluarga dan teman, terutama dalam gereja. Memiliki pengalaman kegembiraan Tuhan dengan komunitas saya di antara gangguan penyakit saya, saya dapat berkata dengan penuh percaya diri bahwa gereja dapat merupakan satu tempat untuk menyembuhkan mereka-mereka yang mendapatkan penyakit mental. Ini telah terjadi pada saya. Walaupun cerita saya bukan cerita pada kebanyakan orang. Banyak orang dengan pikiran yang bermasalah merasa diabaikan, ditolak, dan dijauhkan dari gereja. Setelah kembali bekerja, saya mengunjungi seorang wanita tua, anggota gereja yang telah lama yang tiba-tiba berhenti untuk datang beribadah. Dia menyapa saya di pintu dengan pandangan marah. “Saya pikir umat

Kristiani tidak seharusnya mendapat depresi.” “Baiklah,” saya berkata, “Banyak orang-orang saleh di dalam kitab yang pasti begitu.” Kemudian saya membuka kitab saya, dan membaca: Seperti rusa yang merindukan sungai yang berair, demikianlah jiwaku merindukan Engkau, oh Tuhan Jiwaku haus akan Tuhan, kepada Tuhan yang hidup. Bilakah aku boleh datang melihat Tuhan? Air mataku menjadi makananku siang dan malam karena sepanjang hari orang berkata kepadaku: “Di mana Tuhanmu?” (Psalm 42:1-3) Dia mulai menangis. “Saya telah depresi sepanjang hidup saya. Saya diajarkan bahwa itu adalah salah.” Bergerak menuju penyembuhan Sebagai satu komunitas kepercayaan, bagaimanakah kita bergerak ke depan agar mereka yang terdapat penyakit mental serius (seperti saya) bergerak menuju penyembuhan? Satu langkah pertama yang baik, saya yakin, adalah konfrontasi pengakuan-dengan simple berbagi cerita kita kepada komunitas yang ingin mendengar. Tidak hanya di dalam korban yang berpikiran sama dalam grup anonim yang tertutup, tapi di golongan yang terbuka di mana orang-orang dengan berbagai perpecahan bersemangat mencari penyembuhan dalam Kristus. Klise dan kekurangan tentang penyakit mental mengalir dari kegagalan kita untuk mengenal cerita berbeda. Cerita saya bukanlah cerita seorang yang umum dengan penyakit mental, atau bahkan pastor yang khusus dengan gangguan bipolar. Juga tidak perlu cerita yang sukses di mata dunia. Saya saat ini berpisah dengan istri dan anak saya. Saya masih berada dalam ketidakmampuan dan berjuang untuk menjaga pekerjaan sambilan dengan tekanan rendah. Beberapa hari saya hampir tidak dapat bangkit dari ranjang dan beberapa hari lain pikiran saya berjalan cepat dan marah menuju fanatik kesalahan. Walaupun demikian, oleh karena karunia Tuhan dan melalui bantuan orang-orang

Tuhan, saya telah menemukan kegembiraan walaupun di dalam gangguan penyakit saya. Banyak kegembiraan yang saya temukan semasa gangguan penyakit saya di dalam gereja, juga terdapat masa-masa di mana sengatan kekurangan menusuk saya hingga ke dalam usus. Ketika saya menerima panggilan untuk melayani sebuah gereja di desa kecil di bagian utara New York, saya memberitahu kepada pembimbing pelayanan tentang diagnosa saya. Dia dengan bijak menasehati saya menyingkapkan secara selektif kepada pemimpin utama ketika waktunya tepat agar mereka dapat melakukan terbaik untuk membantu saya memimpin. Pada malam resepsi sambutan, semangat berkobar dan jus anggur mengalir. Seorang wanita, tidak diketahui tentang kebijaksanaannya, memberitahu saya dia telah bekerja di pusat psikiatrik dekat sebelum ditutup pemerintah negara bagian untuk mendukung perawatan berbasis komunitas. “Iyah, mereka membiarkan orang yang menderita skizofrenia dan bipolar keluar dan harus membangun lebih banyak penjara,” dia berkata. Saya tersenyum dan membalas, “Ayam ini sangat lezat.” Jari-jari yang usang dan lelah Suatu waktu ketika mereka yang terperosok dalam lumpur dan kotoran untuk bertahan hidup setiap hari, berpegang teguh pada kepercayaan dengan jari-jari yang usang dan lelah mengambil resiko untuk berbicara dengan terus terang. Berbagi cerita kita melalui konfrontasi pengakuan tidak akan menghentikan kekurangan berlarut malam, namun pada suatu waktu, dia akan membangun hubungan agar penyembuhan spiritual bisa datang. Gereja, komunitas, dan penganut individu dapat bergerak maju menuju hari yang lebih baik dengan menjadi tempat yang aman untuk mereka dengan pikiran terganggu untuk menemukan kegembiaraan mukjizat di antara tubuh Kristus. Kaibigan ______________________________ Tony Roberts adalah pengarang, blogger, pembicara pekerja bebas, dan pengarang dari Kegembiraan atas gangguan penyakit: pelayanan, kegilaan, misi. Hak cipta Kristiani Hari Ini. Gunakan dengan izin oleh Jurnal Kepemimpinan. leadershipjournal.net Copyright Christianity Today. Use with permission by Leadership Journal. leadershipjournal.net

Kaibigan

vietnamese corner

june-september 2014

Kaibigan

KAIBIGAN Magazine publication started 1996 with the goal to be of help to the Filipino workers in Taiwan especially those who can not have a day off from their work. It now incorporates other articles of different languages from other ministry group of the Taiwan Expatriate Caring Committee and prayerfully and hopefully to print more copies for more souls for His Kingdom here in Taiwan. Kaibigan magazine now prints 8,500 copies bimonthly by Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will and help. 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.

june-september 2014

Kaibigan

bible word search 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. Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV (The Word of God) For the word of God is [al_ve] and [act_ve]. [Sh_rper] than any double-edged [sw_rd], it [p_netrat_s] even to [d_vid_ng] soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it [j_dges] the thoughts and attitudes of the [he_rt]. Nothing in all creation is [h_dden] from Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give [ac_ount].

Answers to Jan-May 2014 Issue 1. Loved 2. Eternal 3. Way 4. Truth 5. Life 6. Gift 7. Heart 8. Saved 9. Grace 10. Faith

june-september 2014