Detours by johnson li

December 2011

D-E-T-O-U-R-S

ccowespondence

Editorial Team Cristina Dy Editor-in-chief Rosalind Ngo-Li Editor Johnson Li Art Editor Marybelle Talania Artist Rev. Alexander Hsu Uy Ptr. Philemon Tie Ptr. Joselito Chua Spiritual Columnists

CCOWEspondence is a magazine published semi-annually by CCOWEF Young Professionals Philippines (CYP). This publication is distributed for free to FilipinoChinese churches nationwide. If you would like to extend financial assistance to help in the production and distribution of CCOWEspondence, it will be greatly appreciated. You can send cash or check made payable to: CCOWEF Philippines Metrobank-Sta. Cruz Branch S/A No. 025-3-02550155-2 Note: Views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of CCOWEF Philippines or CYP. Authors are responsible for their own opinions and articles. For comments and suggestions write to us at 3rd Floor Manhattan Bldg., 920 Banawe St., Quezon City, 1115 Telefax: 576-0724; 577-4030 or email us at cristinacdy@yahoo.com

Editorial Heavy traffic...road block...floods... These are some of the highway scenes I dread as a driver, especially when I'm travelling on an unfamiliar area or on a tight schedule. Which way do I go? At this point, I will either mentally scout for alternate routes, or follow the other cars before me, or park on the side and call a friend for help with directions. Such detours, like it or not, happen and are beyond our control. But there is another kind of detour that we choose and initiate. It's while going on a road trip, we suddenly see a new dining establishment, an interesting shop, or a vacation place that we want to check out. We stop on our tracks and allow ourselves to momentarily digress from our destination and schedule. And we face these two kinds of detour, not only on the road, but on our life and spiritual journey. At first sight, a deviation from our set course, a disruption in our schedule, and a jolt out of our comfort zone is most unwelcomed and not likely to be a good thing. But when we remember that our Sovereign God is a God of purpose, we learn to see the minor and major detours He places in our paths as significant rather than incidental, beneficial rather than detrimental. So in this issue, we invite you to understand more the different purposes of God's detours in our lives and the best way to respond to them. We hope you will be greatly encouraged by the testimony of a mother who took the many curious questions of her little daughters as opportunities to speak about God rather than as distractions. And we know how kids can ask the most difficult questions at the most inconvenient time and place. For those battling with a serious illness, we pray that you will be comforted and strengthened by our good Lord through the perspective and many lessons shared by our dear sister Perlita Tan. And on a lighter note, we gladly share with you how God directs, or rather redirects the heart of Pastor Jeanette Yu from singlehood to marriage. Lastly, as we near the end of 2011, we invite you to reflect on your spiritual journey, and ask if you have unnecessarily taken more and more of the second kind of detour, and how have you allowed yourself to be sidetracked by the people and things of this world. We don't know what kind of detours are waiting for us in 2012. But we do know that we have a Loving, Sovereign, and Gracious God, who always work for the good of those who love Him. Because of this, we can welcome the New Year with expectant hope, a grateful heart, a peaceful mind, and a joyful spirit.

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year ! - Tina

I believe that it is the fervent desire of every Christian parent to see their child come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was no less my prayer for my two daughters. Although I waited for this event with much anticipation, it came at the most unexpected time. November 15, 2010 seemed like any other day. Waking up at 5:30am, I was literally half asleep, going through the motions of getting my kids to school on time. In the car, I turned on the CD player to play Christian songs to lighten the drowsy mood. “I stand at the door and knock! Whoever hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in!” played the song. Half hearing the song, my mind was focused on getting to school early to find parking. Just then, my three year old daughter's voice interrupted my thoughts, “Mommy, who's knocking on the door?” she asked. “That's Jesus talking. He's standing at the door of every child's heart and He's knocking if you will let Him into your heart to be your Lord and Savior.” I explained. She was silent for a minute which I thought was the end of her questioning. Then she said, “Mommy, I want Jesus to come into my heart. Can you show me how?” I almost drove off the road when I heard her say this. I calmly told her to wait until I parked the car. Close to tears to come upon this prayed for expression of faith, I climbed to the back and sat between my two girls. But before I could begin to explain the eternal implications of asking Jesus into your heart, my five year old daughter said, “Mommy, I want to ask Jesus into my heart too and I want to be the one to lead the prayer.” Skeptical, I agreed and she began to pray. Her prayer went like this, “Dear Jesus, I am a sinner. I confess that I sin when I disobey Mommy, when I am selfish and not kind. Please forgive me. Please wash away my sin, so that my heart is white as snow. Please come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.” I didn't expect my daughters to have a deep theological grasp of the doctrine of salvation but I was in shock that they understood that they were sinners and what sin was. I was amazed that they understood that Jesus could forgive sin and that they were ready to commit their lives to Jesus. My younger daughter prayed this prayer as well and it became clear to me that they had an understanding of what Jesus had done for them and this decision to accept Christ into their hearts was not because of this one-time question but a culmination of the many conversations we had with them about Christ.

A Witness to the Miracle of Salvation by Ethel Sison Gaw (Christian Gospel Center-Quezon City)

I then began to recall when my daughters excitedly came out of their Sunday School Class several weeks before with two hearts, one colored black and one colored red, eager to retell the Bible Lesson on how Jesus can wash away the black sin in our hearts with His precious blood. I recalled when they told me that their Teacher told them what repentance meant, it meant to be truly sorry for your sin and to want to stop doing that sin. I recalled when my husband explained to them that God alone is holy and holy meant that God had no sin. And I recalled prayerfully answering their questions why Kong-Kong's old body had stopped working but because he loved and followed Jesus, Jesus was going to give him a new body in Heaven, a body that would never die. However, looking back, I know that I didn't have all the right explanations and I wasn't patient with them all the time. I am probably the least eloquent to share the gospel in a clear and concise manner. But God is a loving and gracious God. He takes His Word that is imparted to them and His Holy Spirit prompts their tender hearts causing faith to grow in them until they are ready to express their desire to follow Jesus. I was just given the privilege to witness the miracle of salvation in the life of a three and five year old. A privilege that has turned out to be an eternal joy! I realize that my daughters still have a long way to go in terms of Christian growth and maturity, but I put my hope in the Lord Jesus. He alone can cause their spiritual lives to grow, for He is the author and perfecter of our faith. I just need to be a faithful witness.

D-E-T-O-U-R-S

by Perlita Tan

I was supposed to stay only one year in Manila for my furlough, then move on to M ministry in Indonesia. But I can't go as planned because God gave me a Surprise... “Oh! Are you getting married?” my friend asked with a delighted look. “No,” I replied, “I found out I have cancer.” I went through successive depressions, asked God many questions, doubted His love for me, and begged Him to heal me. Praise God He graciously answered my questions, overwhelmed me with His love and provisions, and thus helped me to accept my cancer—many times! Because each time some development happened - post-biopsy test showed that my cancer was aggressive; surgery showed mine is Stage 3; halfway through chemotherapy I was told my cancer might have spread to my neck so I needed radiation; after chemotherapy my bone scan showed an unidentified spot in my first rib, etc.—I struggled again! Last October 2008, if God had asked me, “I will give you cancer, but through it you will receive precious lessons and priceless blessings. Will you accept it?” I'm very sure I would have answered, “No!” and maybe added, “Can't You just give me all those without the cancer?” But today, by God's grace, I can honestly say that I thank God for my cancer. Although I've never cried as much and as hard in my life as these past three years (except maybe when I was a baby), God used my cancer to teach, mold, bless, and use me. Let me share with you some snapshots of my detour through D-E-T-O-U-R-S. D=Death day forewarned. Many people died and will die without warning. “Cancer—Stage III” is a pretty clear warning to me! So, I have already left instructions regarding my memorial services, and am taking time to do the things I dream of doing, such as meeting and evangelizing old friends, and taking a trip to the Bible lands (God-willing, by April).

In the Prayer Mountain with my missionary friend whom God used to take care of me after my surgery and during my chemotherapy. I was wearing a wig here, lent by a Christian cancer survivor.

E=Expressions of love and appreciation. I am so touched and blessed to see the family of God crying upon hearing my diagnosis, telling me of their love and appreciation, and showering me with all kinds of help while I am still alive. Many people were given these when it was too late—when they were already inside their coffins. T=Thousands of people praying for me. The assurances of prayer expressed by Christians, missionaries and their families, pastors and their members, parachurches and their staff warm my heart and make me 'feel' well. Due to my detour, I had the chance to visit my first mission field (Busuanga island) after almost seven years away. I was amazed and blessed to find out that twice a week the church prays for me, and the elders even informed all the other Tagbanua churches to pray for me! O=Opportunity to share the Gospel to cancer patients. Because of the almost unbearable side effects, I wanted to quit chemotherapy after my first cycle. God used two thoughts to help me finished all eight cycles—the guidance I received through prayers that God wanted me to undergo chemotherapy, and the thought that each time I go to the oncology unit, I will meet one or more patients who urgently need to hear God's gift of salvation. U=Unconditional obedience to God's leading. At the start of my cancer journey, I asked God to guide me to undergo surgery if this will be effective and cure me. But as I continued to pray, my prayers and I changed. It didn't matter to me anymore whether I get healed or not. I just wanted to know and obey what God wants me to do. In due time, God spoke to me very clearly through my devotions to go for treatment, and so I did.

miraculous, timely, touching and memorable provisions by God. But after I got cancer, I appreciate God even more because He is a Master who continues to generously provide for me in every way, even though I'm too sick to be of much use to Him. Also, ever since I became a Christian, I have always been a Martha rather than a Mary. I willingly give my time to do ministry but not to do devotion. Lately, God made me realized that although I thought I am serving God because I love Him, it is actually the ministry that I love more than Him. I needed this detour to realign my heart. S=Sheer delight at still being alive! In the past, I wasn't really that thankful for my birthdays, of growing older. But after my diagnosis last October 2008, every January, as my birth date arrives, I weep with gratitude as I thank God for graciously giving me another year of strength and life. Do you know under what circumstances God gave Jeremiah 29:11 “'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”? It's when the Israelites were on a major detour. They were exiled from Judah to Babylon. So, if you, dear Reader, find yourself on a detour now or in the future, trustingly submit to God's sovereign plan and joyfully catch the 'precious lessons and priceless blessings' God will shower on you through your detour. Perl is a fruit of Youth Gospel Center, a member of Gerizim Evangelical Church, an alumna of Biblical Seminary of the Philippines, and a missionary of God among the M's. God-willing, she will finally serve in Indonesia by May 2012.

R=Realizations about God and myself. As a missionary whose God-given conviction is not to solicit/raise funds, I have witnessed many

During a short visit to Indonesia last September 2011, I rode many “becak” (pronounced as “bechak”) and God gave me courage to give tracts to the cyclist-drivers.

As of September 2011, this is my eight-monthlong hair. Ginger soup with sticky peanut balls, nuts, jelly beans & bread is one of my favorite Indonesian foods.

A Lovely Life Detour By: Rosalind Ngo Li (United Bethel Church) Plans were laid. Courses were chartered. Steps were mapped out. She has outlined her life story for the next 20 years or so. Nothing and no one could stop her … except the One who holds her future in His hands. Here is a glimpse of the lovely life detour taken by Pastor Jeanette Yu.

in a lifetime partner. As I got to know him, I realized that we jibed in terms of spirituality, personality and intellect. Still, I have my apprehensions. Time and time again, God used His Word to encourage me not to be afraid. He used verses like Isaiah 41:9-10 and 1 Chronicles 28:20. After much deliberation and prayers, I finally made my decision and said “Yes” to Hans last Sept. 29, 2010. After a year of going steady, I know he is God’s best for me and we got married last Oct. 16, 2011. It is our prayer that through our marriage, God will be glorified and that we can be a blessing to a lot more people.

What were your perfectly laid-out plans before you met your husband? If God enables me to live to the age of 60, my plans are: serve God faithfully for the rest of my life, take care of my aging parents until God takes them home, take my doctorate degree, travel to a foreign country or a local destination, and to live with a single female friend when I’m old. Were you pressured in any way to push through with this relationship because family and friends were rooting for you Before you went into full time ministry, did you dream of to settle down? getting married too like all other girls? No. Hans and I agreed beforehand that if it turns out that we Since I like to read romantic novels, there were instances are not compatible, we’d break up rather than push through with when I imagine myself falling head over heels in love just like the wedding plans. the heroine in the story. However, I’d dismissed these notions as I know that there’s no such thing as happily ever after…My Have you ever reached the point where you want to escape philosophy is that it’s better to remain single and be happy than these well-meaning relatives and friends? get married to the wrong person and be miserable for the rest of Being single in our couples-oriented society is tough! People my life. My prayer ever since is: “Lord, please guard my heart think singles are second-class citizens and to be pitied. I couldn’t until the right guy comes along.” God honored my prayer in that count the times people (young and old alike) have asked me: How I’ve never had a boyfriend though I had my fair share of crushes old are you? Are you married? Why not? Then they would offer and suitors. Also if ever God wants me to marry, I want my first to match you with a guy. boyfriend to be my last. As a pastor, I’m a public figure and my life is an open book. I don’t find these questions as an invasion of my privacy. You have always been vocal that you prefer to be single to Furthermore, I know they have my best interests in mind. So I’d focus on your ministry. Why? just graciously answer their questions. And when they ask if I’m I’m a big fan of the Apostle Paul and wholeheartedly agree married, my reply was: “I’m happily single.” with his teaching in 1 Cor. 7:34. As a woman, I’d have to give up a lot of ministries once I get married. Family comes first before What will happen to all your plans of further studies? Would ministry. Hence, I prefer singlehood over marriage. That’s why you say that God gave you a nice break from all your plans? it took me a while before considering Hans. In fact, I turned him One of my long-term goals is to take my doctorate degree down the minute he told me of his intentions of courting. in Marriage & Family Counseling abroad and then come back to help families in crisis. Two years ago, I applied for a scholarship What major decisions did you have to make when Hans was but was turned down. I took it as a sign that it was not yet God’s courting you? What struggles, if any, that you had to go time for me to go for further studies. I’m sure if it’s really God’s will, through in making this decision? He’ll open the way for me in the future. Incidentally, I have Hans’ I told him upfront that I’m very happy and fulfilled as a single support regarding this matter. and am not sure I’d like to get married. I told him that if ever I get married, I’d like to continue serving God and I don’t want to have Yes, I can say that I’m happy that God gave me a nice break kids since I want to concentrate on the ministry and for health from all my plans. Indeed, we can only make tentative plans for it reasons. He said that he’s okay with my ‘demands’ and asked is God who will direct our steps.  me to pray and give him a chance. He said he will support me Well, detours are not so bad at all as long as we know He as I serve God in fulltime ministry even as he serves God in his holds our future in His hands. For all you know, the side trip was workplace. meant for you to find what you have been waiting for all your life. Where I will serve God and where we will attend church My Must Have List: service as a couple are other decisions we have to make. He is 1. Spiritual Passion for God a member of CCF while I serve at UECP. After we went steady, I 2. Loves learning and reading asked him if I need to transfer my church membership and ministry. 3. Good conversationalist He said there’s no need. Hence, I will continue to serve God at 4. Smart and witty UECP. I’d attend church service at UECP in the morning and then 5. Sense of humor accompany Hans to CCF in the afternoon. I joked that dadami 6. Energetic and sociable ang points ko sa heaven! Hehe… 7. Thoughtful and caring How do you know that marriage is God’s will for you and that 8. Kind especially towards his and my family members Hans is the One? 9. Self-confident enough to support my dreams and not be He was the only guy who passed the 10 qualities I wrote in intimidated my “Must Have” list. These are non-negotiable qualities that I want 10. Chemistry (cute in my sight )

Photos by Daryl Gail Yu (Butuan Gospel Church)

Detours, Road Blocks, and Dead Ends How are we to respond to them? by Rev. Alexander H. Uy (Grace Gospel Church)

from his dreams that his parents and his brothers and sister would all bow down to him, yet God led him through many detours – becoming a slave to Potiphar and becoming a prisoner. In the end, his dreams came true as he became prime minister and his entire family came to Egypt. Without the detours leading to servanthood and to prison, Joseph would not have learned the important life lessons which changed him for the better. It was also in these two places that Joseph's gift of administration was developed, preparing him for the responsibility of being the second highest ranking official in all of Egypt. The apostle Paul faced a road block when the door of opportunity was shut by the Lord for him to travel to Asia to preach the Gospel. Instead, he received a vision of a man from Macedonia appealing to him to go to Macedonia to preach the Gospel to them (read Acts 16:6 – 10). Paul also experienced a life-changing detour when he was blinded by the Lord while on his way to Damascus to persecute and arrest the believers of Jesus, for he ended up becoming the most ardent follower of Christ. Without this important detour, Paul would have remained condemned by his sins, not ever knowing the grace of God.

As I sat down in front of my computer, getting ready to write this article, the pastors and staff were beginning to pack some relief goods to be handed out to our missionaries for distribution to their communities which were some of the hardest hit in Northern Luzon during typhoon Pedring and typhoon Quiel. Upon knowing that the packing work was starting, I immediately left my office in order to help out in the packing. Almost two hours have passed and we were just halfway through. Taking advantage of a twenty minute break, I came back to face the computer and I knew that God had once again stopped me temporarily and diverted my attention to something that was even more pressing. God had made me go through a detour, to do something else, before coming back to what I had first intended to do.

From both Joseph and Paul, we can surmise that the detours God put in our path can be His form of discipline, teaching, and training. First, detours help build our character. Consider the case of Joseph. Before being sold by his brothers into slavery, he was perceived by his older brothers as being cocky or a bit conceited because of the dreams he had and which he announced to them. It is possible that God allowed for Joseph to be sold into slavery so that he could learn humility and servanthood as well as patience in the unfolding of God's plan for his life. In my case, God used certain detours to help me develop into becoming more patient, more trusting and to learn to submit to His plans.

Life is full of detours. Some are minor detours like what I related earlier while others are life- changing. The life-changing detours usually affect us the most, sometimes causing immense pressure and stress. In my life, I have been through many such life-changing detours. One such detour was when I had my sights set on getting an MBA from De La Salle University where I had already passed the entrance exam and gone through the interview process, when God made me go to a different route – the route of full-time seminary studies at Asian Theological Seminary. My intention for getting an MBA was so that I could land a higher paying job in a prestigious company, but God wanted me to receive training to become a pastor.

Second, detours can serve as a corrective measure to a destructive path. Consider Paul's journey to Damascus. He was out to capture Christians but instead had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ which completely changed his life purpose. God sometimes puts detours in our lives in order to protect us from harming ourselves and others. He intentionally frustrates us so that we will not continue on the path of destruction. I am sure you've experienced that when you were almost about to commit sin, or when you are about to make an important decision but your judgment on the matter is clouded and you cannot see the dangers of going in a certain direction, God all of a sudden directs you away from it, from the path of darkness and destruction.

I also experienced a major road block in my life when I applied for work in a North American church after spending almost twelve years in Grace Gospel Church as associate pastor. While I had the opportunity to visit the North American church and had gone through the interview process, the church decided that they would hire someone else, thus effectively closing the door on me. Little did I know that I was going to end up becoming the interim senior pastor of my church in a matter of two years, and then becoming the senior pastor in 2010. Also, I finally had the opportunity to get my MBA degree from 2007 to 2009 from Asian Theological Seminary, which offered a special program designed for leaders in non-profit organizations.

Finally, detours serve to guide us toward God's specific will for us. Paul wanted to go to Asia to preach the Gospel but God closed the door on him. Instead, God had him go to Macedonia. I do not know exactly why God would have Paul go elsewhere when the latter had the best intention in mind – to share the gospel. Sometimes we want to do great things for God and we have plans on how we're going to do just that, but then God comes in the picture and changes everything. It may be because he wants us to learn to depend on Him rather than making our own plans, which may be good but is not God's best for us. It may also be that our noble plans are not the ones God has drawn up for us. Instead, they are meant for someone else.

Throughout the journey where I came face to face with a detour, a road block, or a dead end, there were moments when I experienced doubts and frustration. Why did God close this door? What were His plans for me that I just couldn't see right now? It felt like going through a long, dark tunnel with no light at the end in sight. Yet, as I look back, I realized that these detours were essential because there were important lessons God wanted to teach me through them. These lessons included patience, faith/trust and denying one's self.

The most important thing to remember when we face detours is that we should never doubt the goodness of God nor His sovereignty in allowing certain circumstances to come our way. We should view detours as an invitation for us to trust in God and to believe that He will cause all things to work out for our good (Romans 8:28). It is a reminder that we are not in control. Detours are also good building blocks for one's faith, thus instead of denying or avoiding them, we can benefit much by learning to accept them.

Significant characters in the Bible also went through many detours in their lives before they attained what God had in store for them. Joseph knew

Have you faced any detours in your life lately? Make the most of it, see where God is leading you, and just walk by faith.

ou've heard of the song “God is good all the time” but sad to say, man tends to abuse the goodness of God and the good things from Him, while Satan sits and enjoys the scenes of man's selfdestruction.

SIDETRACKED: Distraction to Destruction By Ericson L. Chua (CCF St. Francis Square)

exercise. The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and it is true that God wants us to take care of our bodies. But again, when we play very often for social or competitive purposes to the detriment of our spiritual growth, it reveals that we are more passionate about sports than God.

A quick text survey to around thirty Christian friends on what is keeping them from developing and nurturing a close personal relationship with the Lord revealed the following: 1.

Work/Business – is on top of the list. Work of course, is a noble endeavor. It is instituted by God starting with Adam as the caretaker of the Garden of Eden. In the New Testament, Paul states that “He who does not work shall not eat.” The common notion is to work like ants that gather food for the day and the rainy day. We tend to work hard to secure our future. But perennial overtime, Sunday business meetings, and the pursuit of success at the expense of godly principles can gradually draw us away from God. When work and personal accomplishments take the place of what is due God, they become our idols. We lose sight of who actually provides the food and gives us the ability to work. Internet & social networking – like most things, the internet is amoral (well, ok some sites are definitely immoral), meaning its morality depends on how you use it. For the Christians, there's a ton of useful stuff from sermon podcasts to bible study lesson. Social networking is not entirely bad as well. You can use it to inform people of retreats, seminars, workshops and other useful events. But of course, when we spend so much time to the neglect of our quiet time, bible reading and prayer, it becomes a distraction to our spiritual walk. TV/Movies – Telenovelas and reality shows can be addictive. And many of the shows/films these days are not at all God glorifying. Someone even noted that most of the intimate scenes in movies are either pre-marital or ex-marital. Hence, it is wise that we screen and limit what we watch. The thing to remember is to be in the world but not of the world. A helpful tip is to ask the question, “How will watching this movie affect my relationship with my God?” Sports/Games – Many people view sports as recreation or a form of

Relationships / Family – Parenting is a full-time job and a life time career. It's hard work. Many mothers easily fall into the trap of the 'Martha syndrome'. They're so busy from housekeeping to meal preparation to making sure kids do their assignments, that they are too exhausted or left with very little time to be still and commune with God. The daily demands of meeting the children's physical, educational, and skills developmental needs can sometimes pushed their own personal and their kids' spiritual growth to the backseat. Yet of all these areas, it is our spiritual life that has an eternal impact. A good balance on all areas- physical, emotional, social, mental, spiritualcontributes to a healthy, happy, holistic individual.

Below are some tips to help us from being SIDETRACKED: 1.

Pray. It is often said that your prayer life is the barometer of your bond with God. Ask His Holy Spirit to help you develop a continuous, fruitful and satisfying relationship with Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “pray without ceasing;” (NASB)

Establish your purpose. In order for you to stay focused, you need to have a clear vision of where you want to be with regards to your relationship with God. Write these goals in a piece of paper and keep a copy in your purse or wallet. Review them from time to time at least once a month to see if your actions are aligned with these purposes.

Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.” (NASB) 3.

Forget the past. It is sad to find many of us Christians filled with emotional baggage. Past hurts often haunt us and prevent us from growing as Christians. We need to surrender these to the Lord and pray for healing. Philippians 3:13-14 “… forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (NASB)

Make yourself accountable. You have heard that no man is an island but the better version is “No man should be an Island.” Join a small group. It is not enough that you attend worship services but you need people who can guide you and even chastise you lovingly when necessary. Find people who you know will love you with the love of the Lord and steer you towards Him always. Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (NASB)

Seek to help others. Be a channel of God's blessings. Service is the antidote to conceit. The more we give ourselves to people, the more we realize that we are the ones who are truly being blessed as well. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion…” (NASB)

Always give thanks. Nothing pleases God more than a humble and grateful heart. I Thessalonians 5:18 “in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (NASB)

Convergence:

Together, We Can Do More By Rhea Bless Lerado (Glory Evangelical Church) Despite heavy rains, on August 28, 42 people from 16 different churches gathered at the Quezon City Sports Club for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Convergence.â&#x20AC;? The gathering was made up of leaders, representatives from different churches and individuals with a passion for outreach. It aims to mobilize Filipino-Chinese Christians to work together for the less privileged sector of society and those hardest hit when disaster or calamity strikes. The program started with an icebreaker for participants to get to know each other and to say something on volunteerism, current or future involvement. The idea is to create a web with the help of a string to show that we are bound together, that churches and individuals are interconnected; by working together we will be able to create a bigger impact on society. It is wonderful to note that this short activity revealed how participants are already active advocates in helping make society a better place to live in. Reverend Rey Bechayda, President of the Messiah Mission International Ministry and EE Coordinator for NCR, gave a short but inspiring message on loving our neighbor and how the world needs us to show that we care because God cares. CCOWEF Chairman, Samson Su, also graced the event and was excited to know that his vision of extensive and coordinated social service in action is now possible. Participants were then asked to form into four groups for an in-depth discussion and to answer three questions: (1) What is your/your church's current involvement in outreach ministries? (2) Given the resources (time, budget, network), what outreach program would you like to institute? and (3) Suggest possible names for the outreach movement. Convergence is the interlinking process emerging from a common goal. It is the act of joining together as one. Volunteering can be through manpower or resources. For disaster or

calamity victims, we can provide immediate assistance/relief (food, shelter, bedding, and clothing to affected families); help clear debris, distribute supplies, and administer first aid; grief and psychological counseling to victims; facilitate emergency communications; extending condolences, support, and partnership in rebuilding efforts; training communities in life-saving skills; providing community disaster education. It is also possible to have medical mission (hospital tie-up, doctor's fellowship); soup kitchen; long term community development (livelihood and education programs i.e. recycling, computer skills); church placement and partnership with a local church for long term spiritual support; and reach out to new Chinese migrants. The possibilities are endless. But Convergence's initial focus will be in creating an efficient and robust community response in times of natural calamities. And as the system is further developed, it will branch out to help augment the needs for Education, Healthcare, Community Development, etc. The program ended by posing a challenge to the participants. Church and individual response forms were handed out with a challenge for the church and individuals to set aside a year in making a social impact and responding to God's command to reach out and love one another. If and when Christian young professionals agree to serve hand in hand, we can create a ripple of volunteerism, practice what we preach, and be the light in this world. Think of the magnitude of what we can do if we rally together to show that Christians care because God cares. There is a great need out there, are you ready to take the challenge? Interested individuals can get in touch with Allen Uy (aljara_wood_products@yahoo.com) or Leslie Sun (sun_llorraine@yahoo.com). The movement is now known as the Care Caravan Photos courtesy of Paudy Yuoankee (Glory Evangelical Church).

Love Out Loud

by Leslie Sun (UECBalintawak)

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40 The Care Caravan team made its initial disaster relief assistance to victims of floods and landslides due to Typhoon Pedring and Quiel at New Cabalan, Olongapo city last November 16, 2011. More than one hundred families who belong to Christian churches accredited by Convoy of Hope received family relief packs courtesy of United Evangelical Church of Balintawak and Caloocan Chinese Baptist Church. The smile on their faces upon receiving our assistance reminded us that the many blessings we receive daily should not simply be kept for personal satisfaction, but rather they can be shared to others who are in need. With this action, we extend to them God's love in tangible ways that will make a lasting impression in their hearts. The C.A.R.E. (Christians Aspiring to Reach Out and Empower) Caravan's vision is to mobilize Chinese Christian churches to extend assistance to the less privileged sector of our society. It is not only to provide for their physical needs, but also to empower them by providing a holistic community development plan that can uplift their standard of living on a long-term basis. We are holding a year round collection of old clothes and non- perishable items that will be stored for future emergency use as disaster may strike anytime. If your church is interested to adopt this project, feel free to contact our team leader, Allen Uy (09178309212 : 09228309212) for necessary arrangements. People who were with us on this particular trip are: CCOWEF Team Allen Uy, Leslie Sun, Marilen Co, Sheryl Tiu Convoy of Hope Team Hal Donaldon, Founder and President Kary Kingsland, Senior Vice-President of Global Initiatives Kevin Rose, International Programs Director Raul Manuel, Country Director Jeremy Denief Dan Block Candice Manuel Churches-Beneficiaries of the Family Relief Packs (FRP) Bethel Mission Church Jesus Christ the Living Rock church Assembly of God church (Hermosa, Bataan) Word of Hope tribal ministry

Ministry Booth Christians Witnessing to Israel

Ministry Booth Megavoice, Solar Powered Audio Bible

Ministry Booth Noah’s Ark

With Heavenly Melody Singer & Indonesian Chinese Volunteers

The Holistic Gospel of Christ to All People

by Haidee Chu (UECP)

“Serving His purpose in our generation” Acts 13:36

he CCCOWE Movement holds a worldwide congress once every five years since 1976. CCCOWE began out of prayer meetings during the 1974 Lausanne Congress. Since then, leaders have committed to focus on the renewal of Chinese churches and the evangelization of the Chinese people making the Gospel known to the Lord. It was inspiring to see how they seriously worked together. unreached Chinese. The vision of CCCOWE Movement is “Chinese churches in one accord, proclaiming the gospel until Christ’s return”. Speakers came in from different parts of the world. Among the English Track speakers for Bible exposition were This year, the 8th CCOWE congress was held on September Dr. Christopher Wright and Rev. Christopher Chia. The English 12-16, 2011 in Bali, Indonesia. It was attended by 2,132 Christian ministry department was headed by Rev. Ying Yee and supported leaders representing 37 countries. Among the delegates were 1,343 by the volunteer management team of English Task Force. Rev. oversea Chinese including a few white Caucasian missionaries to Joshua Ting was inaugurated as the new general secretary Asia and 789 Indonesian-Chinese. I was amazed to hear a Taiwanese during the closing night succeeding Rev. Morley Lee. CCOWEF lady who traveled for more than 30 hours from Chile! Philippines proudly presented the four different congress music Both Chinese and English track were simultaneously meeting orchestrated by Irma Su, wife of the CCCOWE Philippine District every day. Combined tracks then gathered during evening revival General Secretary Deacon Samson Su. meetings. The 2011 congress aimed to put emphasis in encouraging I missed the Macau congress five years ago. Like the the faithful practitioner of Christ to be competent in bringing the Good Taiwanese lady, I was really determined to attend this year. News of the Gospel to all nations, building one church for the mission Half of the delegates are first-timers, and I was one of them. of God and raise generation of leaders. We were challenged to live And by faith, God supplied for my provisions in spite of the a balance life practicing both word and walk, focusing on the LORD circumstances. Though we all paid a high price, but for many of the work, and not just the work, and live in divine fear of God that of us it was worth it. We came back home full of fresh ideas, transforms a holistic Christian lifestyle. spiritually recharged, and committed to the expansion of His Aside from the sessions, some participants also exhibited their kingdom. It is our prayer and determination to become more ministries. Exhibitors happily handed us plenty of souvenir items like deeply rooted in Christ and in His word, and be more effective in cds, books, bookmarks and other stuffs. Over 100 hanging scrolls with relating to Chinese people and culture. It was indeed a glorious elaborate details depicted the seven phases of Indonesian-Chinese 5- day spiritual feast! I was so blessed and thankful! And God Christian history. But we were most deeply gratified by the warm willing, my next congress destination is Taiwan! hospitality of more than two hundred young and senior volunteers Read more about CCCOWE Movement at www.lausanne. who took care of us since the very beginning of the congress. Their org./en/about/regios/east-asia/cccowe-overview.html and www. work was tiresome, but they were beaming with joy in serving the cccowe.org/8ccowe.

Workshop with Mr. Jim Chew, THE NAVIGATORS, NZ

With Speaker Translator Rev. James Taylor

With English Track Speakers, Reverends Ying Yee, Eugene Hor, and Chris Chia