Men in Progress | October 2015

Volume 4 / Issue 14 / 2015

In This Issue:

The Builder More This Christmas Real Men My Net

You’re the Man! Gollum No More The Gym Running for Fitness

“Jesus came to announce an identity based on success, popularity, and power is a false identity-an illusion! He says: “You are not what the world makes you; but you are children of God!” - Henri J.M. Nouwen

The Builder

More This Christmas

by Revodem B. Avarientos

M

ost of us would like to spend the Christmas season in a meaningful way. Here are some ideas that will enable us to enjoy Christmas to the fullest.

Do not be attached to money and things. It is easy to get trapped in the snare of buying the coolest products during this season, and while it’s true that having money to spend on the things we like isn’t bad, the love of these things can distract us from God, family, and friends, and can diminish our happiness. We also become depressed, when we can’t buy what we like. On the other hand, God wants us to be content with what we have. He is Immanuel, God with us, and He promised that He will always be all that we need.

Do not miss out on the chance to create new experiences with the people we love. Shared experiences give us fresh perspectives in life and strengthen our relationship with others. The experiences that we share with others, not the new gadgets that we buy, are what truly last.

Do not neglect the needy. Be a blessing to others. Jesus said that whatever we do “to the least of our brothers,” we are doing it for Him. Just as He did not come to this world to be served but to serve, let’s look out for the interests of others. Money invested in those who are less fortunate is money spent in a meaningful way.

Do not forget the celebrant, Jesus Christ. Christmas is a time where we celebrate God’s unconditional love for us through Jesus. He came so that all our sins can be forgiven and that we may have eternal life. Don’t forget to reflect, worship and give thanks.

Real Men

My Net

by Joshua Kho

I

t’s nice to have a friend who we can talk to about the struggles in our lives. Patrick Tan did not have that kind of a friend, when he was young. Once, the families of his friends and youth leaders moved to another church, leaving no one to disciple him. Eventually, God used that experience to give him a calling that is focused on loving and developing young people.

Fast forward. Now, Patrick is the National Coordinator of Chi Alpha Student Ministries Philippines. Chi Alpha is a student movement with a vision of “reconciling students to Christ, transforming individuals, families, campuses and communities.”

Here’s how God used his past to shape a “well-designed” life with a bright future.

How did you discover your calling?

I went to Baguio to attend an intensive training program on youth ministry. There I met Paul, who was the worship leader during the training. One night when we were worshipping, I was at the back of the hall praying to God to confirm my calling because I was still undecided about whether to be an architect or to be in the ministry. As Paul was leading the worship, he suddenly said that someone was praying and asking for God’s clear confirmation as to whether he should pursue ministry or not. Then, he pointed at me! “…nagulat talaga ako, after nun pinag-pray nila ako and I was pretty convinced God answered my prayer… I left Baguio with an assurance that I responded to God’s call to be a pastor, not just in youth ministry.”

How has your calling been challenged?

“As I pursued ministry may times na nagka-doubts din ako, gusto ko na mag-quit.

What if naging architect nalang ako? Tama ba ‘tong career ko? Sa family nagka-tension din kasi it surprised my parents that I will do fulltime ministry.”

How do you stay focused on your calling?

During my time sa seminary may subject ako wherein pina-develop kami ng life purpose, dapat nakasulat at memorized, kapag may mga

Patrick with his wife Nette.

dumadaan na opportunities naka-filter palagi sa life purpose ko. So kahit good opportunity pero hindi naka-pattern doon sa life purpose ko it means hindi ‘yun kasali sa path ko. May mga times na dumadami commitments ko, minsan napagsasabay ko at na o-overwhelm ako..so kapag ganun balik na naman ako sa life purpose ko and see which ones I need to continue doing.”

Kapag may doubts, bumabalik ako doon sa experience ko sa Baguio. Kasi yung moment na ‘yun para sa’kin hindi siya ‘yung ako lang nag-isip, very clear na walang pwedeng mag-manufacture nun tapos may witness pa ng napakaraming tao.

So unless sabihin ni God na may iba na akong calling, eh di tuloy-tuloy pa rin ako sa ministry. I call that experience in Baguio my Net—‘yun lagi sumasalo sa ‘kin. Kapag backer mo si God hindi ka talaga dapat mag-alala. My wife, Nette, is also a great encouragement to staying focused on my calling.”

We see in the life of Ptr. Patrick that a clear and solid identity, enables us to stay focused on God’s purpose in our lives and become the blessing God intended us to be.

You’re The Man!

Gollum No More

by Alvin Eleazar G. Tud

J

.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit, are amazing stories, filled with interesting creatures. One such hobbit-like creature is Gollum/ Smeagol. Corrupted by the ring of power, he lived miserably for centuries with a split personality as Gollum/Smeagol.

Many men live with identity issues, maybe not in a clinical sense, but not truly knowing themselves. Knowing who we really are is essential. Our identity does not come from other people’s opinions, nor our education, social status, looks or wealth. Our true identity is found in what GOD says about us. God wonderfully formed us and knows who we really are.

Sin corrupted our original identity, but Christ can restore it. Here are some Bible truths about Christ’s followers’ identity:

• A child of God. John 1:12: “to all who received him… who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God.” This implies a loving Father-Child relationship. Living in God’s abundant love will make us love others.

• A disciple of Christ. John 15:8: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” This implies a Teacher– Student relationship.

Jesus, our Teacher, demands full obedience to his commands. Obeying Him will yield a fruitful and purposeful life.

• A citizen of heaven. Philippians 3:20: “…our citizenship is in heaven.” This implies a King-subject relationship. We are citizens of the Philippines, but are also citizens of heaven, where God is King. Reflecting His character, we value His values and advance His rule on earth.

Jesus Christ lived as a man with a solid purposeful identity. Get to know Him and follow Him. When you do this, you will be the man God wanted you to be and become a “Gollum” no more.

The Gym

Running for Fitness

by Nathan Maliwat

What are the benefits of running for both mind and body?

R

unning is good for one’s overall health.

Running increases one’s endurance, strengthens the muscles in the abdomen, improves blood circulation, decreases bad cholesterol levels and improves cardiovascular function.

For me personally, more than the physical aspect, running, serves as “mental therapy.”

Running allows me to go to a mental place of quiet and reflection.

How to start a running habit?

Just start. A road and a pair of good running shoes are all you need. Never make it complicated.

Improving on the details will come once you get the hang of it. In my case, a friend of mine invited me to join a fun run. I have been running ever since.

What are tips to be a good runner?

Dr. Levi Maliwat

Being a good runner requires good technique.

Ideally, one may get formal coaching. Joining a running club is another option. One can get valuable tips just by running beside friends who have been into this sport for quite a while. The internet of course is a great source of information.

Try to have gait analysis. This will help you choose the right kind of running shoes. Do speed workouts aside from the usual long runs. Hydrate well. Maintain a balanced diet and stay away from processed food. Get adequate sleep. Memorize Philippians 4:13.

But whatever it is, just enjoy. Have fun.

Dr. Levi Maliwat is an avid runner. He runs, swims and bikes with his team TRInspire, composed of professionals and para-athletes.

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EDITORIAL STAFF Photo by Alvin Abad

Editor Alvin Tud Layout Design Patrick Tan Distribution Johnson Li MIP/MOMS Editorial Staff (L-R): Patrick, Alvin, Evelyn, Kim & Johnson

Executive Editor Kim Snider

Published quarterly by Asia Pacific Media Ministries Unit 2608 Raffles Corporate Center, Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, 1605 Pasig City, Philippines Telephone: 914-9767 E-mail: mip@apmedia.org Website: www.apmedia.ph Reproduction of photos and articles is prohibited without permission.