Our Journey of Hope, Love and Service

http://Matthew 5:46-48 ()_46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 21:19:50 -0400

http://Matthew 5:46-48 ()_46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

A very powerful teaching of Bo Sanchez that inspired us so...

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 05:14:21 -0400

A very powerful teaching of Bo Sanchez that inspired us so much…

Jony’s Bar in Boracay

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 09:42:23 -0400

Jony’s Bar in Boracay

Gospel for today.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 20:53:56 -0400

Gospel for today.:

Speaks about… God’s commandment to be taught not to break but to live.

"Psalm 124:2-5 “If the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us, when their anger..."

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 23:01:48 -0500

“Psalm 124:2-5 “If the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us, when their anger flared against us, they would have swallowed us alive; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away.””

WAY OF THE LORD

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 04:53:29 -0500

WAY OF THE LORD

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

In the recent turn of events involving the murder of YFC Ray Bernard Penaranda of UPLB Campus-based, I could not help but ask God why this may have happened. Together with two other companions, they came from a dance practice in preparation for the Central 2 YFC Sector Conference last March 4, 2012. On their way to their dormitory at about 1:30am that early morning, they were held up that resulted to his death.

The young man is known to his YFC brethrens in UPLB as “Papa Ray.” He came from a family whose parents are members of Couples for Christ. Ray was an active member of CFC Kids for Christ in Tanay, Rizal during his childhood. When he enrolled in UPLB under the degree of BS Agriculture, he joined CFC Youth for Christ Campus Based and later on became part of its executive committee. Back in his place, he used to be with local YFCs. He likewise joined other organizations, thus completing his academic, sports and spiritual sources. Her mom shared that Fr. Thor Villacorta, parish priest of St. Therese Parish in UPLB described Ray as a loving student and worker of God. He used to request Fr. Villacorta to allow UPLB YFC to use Room 1 in the parish for their worship for free to which he always accede to.

From the various testimonies we heard, I came to know him to be a God-fearing young man, an inspiration to his parents and sister, and a faithful servant willing to give his life for others. And true enough, after his death, the Los Banos community step up the call for greater security not only before the local authorities but to the whole community as well. This is how his mom would figure out the purpose of his death so that the whole community will wake up to hand-in-hand work together to ensure safety and security in the area.

While we are on our way to his wake in Tanay, I am bothered thinking at how his family may have dealt with the tragedy considering that the very reason why they went home so late is the practice session for YFC sector conference. We have just had some instances dealing with concerns about the late night activities of YFC across the province. The truth is there is no official and regular late night activities of YFC but sometimes the preparation for conferences, retreats and similar activities may lead to that with the assistance of couple coordinators. Perhaps, am just being so paranoid to anticipate negative reactions on this recent tragedy from his parents, and even our community.

When we arrived to the wake, Ray’s mom met us inquiring who we are. And when we identified ourselves as YFC Provincial Couple Coordinator from Laguna, she readily held our hands with much enthusiasm telling us that other couple coordinators came the night before. We sat together and later joined by the former program couple coordinator for campus-based. We told her that we are part of Ray’s greater family in Laguna. She realized that Ray had so many families loving him in Laguna and for that she is indeed so thankful. When we said we are so sorry for what happened to him, his mom readily replied that they are dealing with it so positively without having to pinpoint responsibilities aside from the perpetrators.. In fact, she emphasized that God has a purpose with what happened.

That was indeed so assuring on our part knowing that Ray’s parents have so much to treasure about the community that Ray had shown them. Ray had effectively testified before his family about Youth for Christ and its greater community, Couples for Christ. He manifested before them the true identities of a YFC.

Ray is indeed a missionary not only as a YFC but also as a servant in the Church. He is indeed single-minded for God that he never forgot his own spiritual source while studying in UPLB. He is indeed a model of excellence being a College Scholar. A champion for the poor, patriotic and 100% free. Just as he was the source of unity in the family, still he is, despite the tragedy.

At first, we thought the tragedy will push our backs against the wall but lo and behold, right after seeing his wake, right at the time we shared a lot about him with his mother, we came to realize that his death will not forsake YFC. Instead, it will all the more raise YFC for the youth. After all Youth for Christ is God’s gift to the young generation preparing and equipping them to take on the world. Efforts shall continue to be unrelenting in order to bring Christ to the youth.

By now, God has prepared a place for Ray, he is at peace there. “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.” (Psalm 62:1)

Indeed, the Lord determines our foot steps ahead in his own the way. We are to continue proclaiming His greatness. God be praised. (Butsch Borja, PCC, CFC YFC Laguna)

On Being a Missionary

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:35:30 -0500

Toni Krizia Vivares

“God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply” — Hudson Taylor

This is a story of survivors who has just endured the battle through absolute surrender. They had outlasted the fight by enduring all fears hanging on firmly to their faith.

Once, our team had this objective to reach every Youth for Christ in our area. We never know who they are, but we know they are just there….confuse in the corners, afraid of boundaries, busy with the growing up thing, and just like us finding their self worth in this world. We never know what path are they into but we believe that their voices are unheard. They’ve got so many stories to tell and they are waiting for that one chance when the whole world would stop, and listen to them. They are defying all odds to make it in the school of hard knocks we call life.

Our team aims to take the first step so we could all be united and journey towards Christ. The goal is to find the lost sheep and bring them back to their shepherd. Our vision is a spark that soon enough burned like a fire.

We, as visionaries started to meet up regularly. For almost three months we had been proposing, doing all the paperwork, debating, exchanging thoughts and ideas, cutting edges from idealistic things to realistic matters, revising plans, altering venues, assigning duties, examining our moves and preparing our hearts for that mission. Everything is from scratch. We wanted to make something out of a blank. We have no capital. No budget. No manpower… almost nothing. All we’ve got is our voluntary hearts and risky young minds, bold and unafraid… willing to make this world a better place. The last thing we knew, that is more than enough. We are ready.

We moved on to the next chapter. Of all the things we’d been through, this seemed to be the most difficult, the seeking for the lost.

We have seen ourselves as young missionaries, enduring the heat of the sun looking for YFCs everywhere from the hilltop to the railroads… walking from house to house, knocking at every doorstep, asking for their parent’s permission, begging these young people to join. After a long and tiring search we will hear them say, ”Ate sorry po hindi ako makakapunta kasi…” That is the most disheartening part. Not because we don’t understand them but because some are obviously just making excuses. No need to say a word, the gestures show. Here comes our greatest fear, rejection. We have to accept the bittersweet reality that not everyone is as involved as we do. Worst we can’t do anything about it. No bargaining. When they say no, they mean it.

We begin to doubt our capacity to fulfill the mission. Suddenly we are lost. In a split of a second, we are afraid. In a blink of an eye, we are less excited. We’re tired. It’s always been a long walk and travel. We seem to exert just so much effort, but at the end of the day we get no answers, no affirmations. How then could we run another mile when we’re almost losing the race?

In a fast pacing world where young people are always in a hurry, how could we slow them down? In the generation where the youth are bombarded with the things that indicate how attach they are in the world, how do we pull them apart? We can’t stop their running. We can’t stop their escaping. Maybe, we can’t stop their hiding. They are no different with time, fast, uncertain, unending.

We have arrived at the crossroad. And due to much concern and support we gain from our leaders, Couple Coordinators and other YFCs outside our area, and because of the courage we won through constant prayers and discernment, we chose the more difficult path. We continue what we’ve started.

Days turn into night and night into days. Suddenly it’s September 24. One more day and our event would kick off. For us that is our culmination day, the moment when our efficiency as leaders and worth as missionaries will be measured.

We almost had no sleep. We busied ourselves with the preparation. We made adjustments for the last minute changes. Before we close our eyes, we made sure everything is perfect. Once again, we are ready.

God had prepared a beautiful day for us. It was a Sunny Sunday morning. The morning sunshine is like a kiss from above that says, “Relax my children, I am in charge.”

From the beginning till the end, His plans prevailed. Everything happened contrary to our plans. But everything was beautiful.

All through the day we played. They jump. They run. They laugh. They shout. They walk. They share their stories. They journey with us. True to our objective which is to put us all together as we strive to journey from crisis to where Christ is.

In the end, we found ourselves at the top of the world, savoring the breath taking view while worshiping our God.

We know that this is a new beginning for them. We believe that through this, they found a family in us. A family sealed with God’s love and in this circle we will never let them go no matter when, no matter what.

Maybe this is also a new beginning for us. We were wrong when we though this is about us. It’s not about measuring our efficiency as leaders but our endurance as YFC members.

As much as we all want to be an instrument, there are times when we tend to focus the spot light on us. And sometimes everything turns a projection of our best selves. While the success of our events should reflect the greatness our God, we steal the glory.

We have come to realize that we have nothing to do with this. It is not about our capacity. God does it all. Maybe he is just teaching us that serving him is about being and being Christ through yielding our everything. It is about growing in where he planted us. It is about trusting him whenever we are tested. It is about becoming more and more humble as he gives us greater responsibilities.

Truly He is larger than all our weaknesses, than all our desires, than all our talents, than all our plans.

God be praised.

———————————————

Borrowed article from Toni Krizia Vivares, a YFC from CFC Laguna Central 1 who is now serving in YCOM Program on documentation taking up degree in Development Communication at UPLB and daughter of a YFC Couple Coordinator, Cesar & Au Vivares, (PCC, CFC-YFC Laguna).

Indignation rally for Rey Penaranda, Given Grace, Rochelle.

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 04:39:34 -0500

Indignation rally for Rey Penaranda, Given Grace, Rochelle.

"1 Corinthians 13:7-8 “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8..."

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:17:37 -0500

“1 Corinthians 13:7-8 “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.””

"Peter I 4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of..."

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:36:10 -0500

“Peter I 4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” Love you all today & the rest….”

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,..."

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:09:50 -0500

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.””

- Hebrews 13:5

RICHER BY P210K

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:54:24 -0500

RICHER BY P210K

(Finding the Kingdom in our midst)

“Submit everything to me, and I will do the rest…”

Last year, 2011, as we equipped ourselves with the full armor of God after having experienced the fullness of life in Christ, I never expected that I will be heading to a big bout in my life.

It was on July 11, 2011, amidst the huge volume of my work load, when I realized a major lapse in monitoring my critical deadlines. This resulted into a huge amount under my direct responsibility. Thanks to my superiors for letting me handle the matter discretely and for giving me their trust and confidence.

It was the same time when we were at the final stage of the preparation for the Provincial Youth Conference of CFC Youth for Christ Laguna which we coordinated and conducted last July 30, 2011. Thanks to a dependable YFC Provincial Core Group. What aggravated my situation is the news about my brother needing major operation. Basically, it was the time when everything is set for us to radiate the faith and glorify God amidst the concerns that divide our attentions.

From July to August 2011, while we endeavor to pursue our service and keep on relying to God’s divine intervention, I was limited by so much emotional lapses to the extent of affecting my physical being. I simply avoided everything. But then I realize that I needed to act. The reminders of my family became my driving force to address my work related issue head-on. As such, by September 2011, I began to seek direction first by dealing with our client to extend the period for them to redeem their property because if they will be able to get back their property, I will no longer have to settle the required amount. I momentarily hoped for the best upon knowing that our client is a member of the Couples for Christ so that the matter was dealt with brothers-sisters relationship. In fact, I brought along my wife when we met to tackle the directions.

By October 2011, the direction that I hoped to pursue did not push through as our client failed to meet the requirements. As such, it was the time that I readied myself for the worse of paying a huge sum that would mean less for my family especially towards the holidays. Be that as it may, at the back of my mind, my pride kept dragging me why this had to happen and why would God let me face this problem. When my superior asked me the other options, I simply said, “I just don’t know.” It’s definitely a mystery. I may have some alternatives left but still none of them are basically 100% sure.

In our pastoral meeting with the Provincial Core of CFC YFC Laguna last November 5, 2011, my son being the new Provincial Youth Head led the worship. It was a very heartfelt worship I participated such that during the adoration, I heard God clearly telling me, “Son, submit everything to me now, and I will do the rest.” It was really a very clear message to me so that when the worship ended, I told my wife that I have accepted my fate and I will have to raise the required amount to settle.

Needless to say, the amount involved is P210,000.00. For a mere employee like me, the amount is so huge that it would definitely affect my family’s purse. From then on, we tried to raise the amount. By end of November, we were able to raise P100,000.00. Going back to God’s message to me, I thought that when He told me he will do the rest, He simply refers to the resources coming in. So I prayed unceasingly…

By December 2011, as I still need P110,000.00, I decided to file a conso-loan so I can settle the matter as the year ends. Unfortunately (or fortunately though), our office failed to confirm the loan within the allowed period of five-days. I was then advised to file again but I decided to do it by January 2012 as I am pre-occupied by our targets as we close the year.

While I and my wife were down with coughs and colds during the holidays, we celebrated our Christmas and New Year with utmost simplicity. Then came January 5, 2012, just when I am about to re-file my conso-loan, we received a note about a new revenue memorandum circular dated November 10, 2011 correcting or revoking their previous circular. In effect, the new memorandum cleared the way so that I need not pay P210,000.00. What a very loud… AMEN! I cried, I leap for joy… I called my wife… I thanked my superiors… I prayed… I praised God. AMEN.

I read the memo-circular four-times. As I noticed the date it was prepared and signed, it was then that I soon realized what God meant, “… I will do the rest.” At first, I thought that He will lead the way for the resources to come in. Perhaps, it was partly correct and I thank Him for that. But the mere fact that the memorandum is dated November 10, 2011, my God was actually referring to the signing of the memorandum. He talked to me on November 5 then the memo was signed on November 10. Amazing, indeed.

The new memo-circular is tailored-fit to provide much needed remedy to my situation. My God… our God is truly amazing.

I don’t have any ideas who are the people behind it. Moreso, I don’t know who may have benefitted from it. All I knew is that my God did it for me. So now, I feel I am richer by P210,000.00.

In my quiet time after we were able to close the matter by completing the documentation and submitting the same for clearance, I then realized that while I went through the agony from July 2011 to January 5, 2012, it was indeed a process of strengthening further our faith as a means of putting on the full armor of God. Thus, readying us to proclaim His Greatness.

It may have been an agony in the midst of our continuing service but I wish to focus more on the support I got from my family, especially from my May. The assurance that everything will be fine, the faith in me, the embrace I got, the willingness to tighten our belts further, the love for each other, the prayers from all over, the presence of our God in our midst. Not to mention the joy of serving in CFC Youth for Christ and in the company of the young. It was indeed experiencing the Kingdom of God. A taste of heaven here on earth. Have you?

One thing I realized in this experience and further as I read a book entitled, “The Good and Beautiful Life (Putting on the Character of Christ),” is that while we tend to experience agony in service, it was not solely intended just to test our limits. For all you know, amidst this agony is the heaven Christ has promised. In fact, Christ did come to invite us to the Kingdom right? And so, while the road to it is a big challenge, we sometimes do not realize that heaven is actually here with us. As we felt the agony, the heaven is in the midst of our family, our community. The Kingdom is here in our midst. It is just that sometimes we focus more on the agony so that we fail to realize, the Kingdom is indeed here with us. As such, it is not the trials but the heaven behind it.

Come to think of it. Christ indeed promised the Kingdom, but He never said when we will start to experience it. So it could begin now. Let us find the Kingdom of God here in our midst and be richer in Him. God be praised. (Butsch M. Borja, PCC, CFC YFC Laguna)

http://1 John 4:12-13 () _12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. _ 13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. #Bible http://j.mp/uGuGKm

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:20:30 -0500

http://1 John 4:12-13 () _12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. _ 13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. #Bible http://j.mp/uGuGKm

Borjeezy & friends

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 03:35:04 -0500

Borjeezy & friends

"…I am the voice of someone shouting in the desert: Make straight the way for the Lord!”..."

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:23:04 -0500

““…I am the voice of someone shouting in the desert: Make straight the way for the Lord!” (1 Jn 2:23) Boldly, let us proclaim the greatness of the Lord this year 2012…”

"Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of..."

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 12:11:59 -0500

“Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”

"John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in..."

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:38:23 -0500

“John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

"Let us go proclaim God’s greatness this 2012… Go 12, go disciples of all nation…..."

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:26:31 -0500

“Let us go proclaim God’s greatness this 2012… Go 12, go disciples of all nation… HAPPY NEW YEAR. Butsch, May & family…”

"Matthew 6:6 - But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is..."

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 07:40:49 -0500

“Matthew 6:6 - But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

http://Matthew 6:6 () _ But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 07:35:22 -0500

http://Matthew 6:6 () _ But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.