Last week my husband and I had a little talk about blogging. He said that he felt that if I was to do a blog, that I should hold to Titus 2 and teach what is in those verses pertaining to women that profess godliness. So I've decided to start a blog and totally dedicate it to that. This blog is mainly for witnessing about what the Lord has and is doing in my life and His work here in the Philippines. I thought about putting the two together, but I think it would be too cluttered and would take a long time to load. When I get it up and going, I will put a link on this blog.
God Bless
Showing posts with label Updates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Updates. Show all posts
Monday, February 9, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sister Bless' email about Rose
Well, here's a brief biography of our new sister in the faith. Im not so
sure if there is a real need for me to share these information about her,
however, I'l just leave it on your absolute discretion and I do
appreciate anything I would be hearing from you about it. I don't know
any other way of
introducing her in a way that we will understand her situation and struggles
as well as for us to have at least an idea where to begin our concern with
her.
Edjie Rose Alipio is now 20, her brother Daniel is 22, and her sister
Angely
is 15. Rose became the pride of the family due to her excellent performance
in school and other extra curricular activities most espcially on the
Seventh Day Adventist church affairs.
Her father was a long time Deacon in the SDA church while her mother got
different positions as well untill she became a Deaconess too of the same
church. six years ago, Rose was then a nursing sophomor but her parents
asked her to stop her studies for the mean time untill they can come up with
enough money. Her father and brother then decided to go abroad with the hope
of finding a greener pasture since fishing is not enough to sustain their
growing expences specifically the children's college education. To come up
with the amount needed for that purpose they sold all of their existing
properties ( house and lot, a parcel of rice feild, fishing boat, electrical
appliances,etc. ) in addition to what they've loaned. Shortly, the father
and son got a good job in Malaysia. Everytime Rose' mother receives
remittance from overseas she's bringing her two daughters for a maximum
shopping and "goodtime" which is SKY IS THE LIMIT untill all the money is
melted to the very least centavo.(at least :-) they've tried how to live a
millionair in a day or two) Nothing left for food, house rent, school fees,
and not even paying the interest of the loaned money that was used by
overseas workers. So her mother has to loan from a lending investment to pay
for all of these. It didn't last for half a year when Rose' father and
brother was deceived to leave their legitimate job in exchange of a better
compensation. They managed to work illegal for two months enjoying a doubled
salary compared to their former job not knowing that that was the company's
last month in Malaysia for the contract will expire in the same month. So.
they lost their job and don't know where to go after, they were affraid of
being caught by the authorities too. They have no choice but to get the
lowest paid job even though sometimes not enough for their food even. They
grow their hair and beard in their effort to avoid being caught as the
police can't identify them easily. More than two years has passed since they
were hiding and seeking. Their hope to find a better job opportunity was in
vain, in fact the worst is at hand...They were working as a dishwasher in a
restaurant when there was a BY BUST search for illegal workers. The father
manged to scaped but the son was captured along his way to scape and that
was the last time they saw each other. Both of them didn't know what
happened to each other. Daniel has to serve the sentence of six months
imprissonment but it was commuted to four months because of his
good conduct. Being a prissoner he has to work very hard with a very little
food, tortured and abused. he was deported afterwards half-insane. On the
other hand, Someone harboured Rose' father and offered him a four-month work
in exchange of a boat ride from Malaysia to Zamboangga, Mindanao. Too bad
deal but this is the only choice. At long last, four months has passed. As
promised, he boarded a Malaysian cargo ship bound to Zamboangga for seven
days with the trash from the ship crew's food as his food. From Zamboangga
seaport, he went to a relative on foot for seven hours. There he was fed and
given a bus fare to get home.And owwwhh!!!!! what e sad reunion because they
hardly knew each other, everyone seems strange to eveyone!!!
*During the period of more than two years when no more
remittances abroad and communication among the family was completely cut
off, Rose' mother got sick and needed to have an immidiate operation on her
ovary. Someone loaned them money for it and she became well. As soon as she
is able, she work as sales lady on a comission basis salary. She's not
getting much from the job but broke most of the time. They were driven away
three times from their rented apartment due to non-payment of rent.*
Since everyone looks different they seem freeze, no emotion...Rose' father
approaced her and give her a hug thinking she is his youngest daughter
Angely. The next day, the family was informed that Daniel has arrived in the
country but needed to be under the custody of the social welfare for a short
while, and that was seem to be the key for the whole family's emotion as
they began to acknowlegde the reality that their world is such a mess. Since
then the family hated going to church except for Rose. Despite strong
opposition from the family Rose stayed faithful to the SDA church thinking
that it is all because of God's mercy that their family was reunited again
after all. She set aside her ambition to be a successful nurse someday,
instead she gave up her life "to serve God" by being an SDA missionary. She
was honored, cheered, admired, adored tremendously for her most outstanding
performance in bringing glory to the SDA church and in elevating Ellen G.
White's prophecies and writtings as the only true and consistent. Thus and
thus she was qualified to be recognized as a member of what they call "ONE
THOUSAND MISSIONARY" around the globe. For two years of being a bonafide one
thou missionary, again this little Indian girl... I mean Rose showed an
unbeatable dedication and excellence that made to the top as a multi-awardee
SDA missionary.
Anyway, eventhough Rose' father is not attending church and violating all
sabatarian commandments, he is not accepting any other church as any better
than SDA. Their family is quite big and are all born SDA, in other words he
is a dye-hard SDA and I think a bleach solution is yet to be formulated to
undye him. This is again an aggravating circumstance for Rose because he has
a way of making Rose feel guilty of many things for separating herself from
the SDA church. Nevertheless, God's grace is abundant for her and I'm really
encouraged for her continous victory over those poor little issues on
visions, keeping the sabaoth, meat, etc. Please remember her in your
prayers.
How I wish I can do something to shorten my stay here so I can go back
to reality or actual age. I must be ridiculous eventhough I don't think I
am. I know I rode on a boat bound for Mindanao not a time machine. I
deserved anything you may think about me, but I feel like I'm living during
the times when the gospel is not yet preached to the Gentiles, when the
gospel is just circulating yet among the Jewry. To be around the SDA is so
abnormal thing for me because it seems they never read the account of Jesus
in the hands of the Jews. I mean, they are talking about Jesus and even
quoting from His words but their attitude is no better then the Jews. This
so unrealistic at all and many times I can't believe how sharp I am in my
conversation and it so hard just to keep calm specially when they are
trodden underfoot the simpliest sayings of the Lord so they can continue in
their sin and let their coveteousness ruin themselves as well as others. I
don't understand... who can understand what I'm saying??? who can tell me
something????
sure if there is a real need for me to share these information about her,
however, I'l just leave it on your absolute discretion and I do
appreciate anything I would be hearing from you about it. I don't know
any other way of
introducing her in a way that we will understand her situation and struggles
as well as for us to have at least an idea where to begin our concern with
her.
Edjie Rose Alipio is now 20, her brother Daniel is 22, and her sister
Angely
is 15. Rose became the pride of the family due to her excellent performance
in school and other extra curricular activities most espcially on the
Seventh Day Adventist church affairs.
Her father was a long time Deacon in the SDA church while her mother got
different positions as well untill she became a Deaconess too of the same
church. six years ago, Rose was then a nursing sophomor but her parents
asked her to stop her studies for the mean time untill they can come up with
enough money. Her father and brother then decided to go abroad with the hope
of finding a greener pasture since fishing is not enough to sustain their
growing expences specifically the children's college education. To come up
with the amount needed for that purpose they sold all of their existing
properties ( house and lot, a parcel of rice feild, fishing boat, electrical
appliances,etc. ) in addition to what they've loaned. Shortly, the father
and son got a good job in Malaysia. Everytime Rose' mother receives
remittance from overseas she's bringing her two daughters for a maximum
shopping and "goodtime" which is SKY IS THE LIMIT untill all the money is
melted to the very least centavo.(at least :-) they've tried how to live a
millionair in a day or two) Nothing left for food, house rent, school fees,
and not even paying the interest of the loaned money that was used by
overseas workers. So her mother has to loan from a lending investment to pay
for all of these. It didn't last for half a year when Rose' father and
brother was deceived to leave their legitimate job in exchange of a better
compensation. They managed to work illegal for two months enjoying a doubled
salary compared to their former job not knowing that that was the company's
last month in Malaysia for the contract will expire in the same month. So.
they lost their job and don't know where to go after, they were affraid of
being caught by the authorities too. They have no choice but to get the
lowest paid job even though sometimes not enough for their food even. They
grow their hair and beard in their effort to avoid being caught as the
police can't identify them easily. More than two years has passed since they
were hiding and seeking. Their hope to find a better job opportunity was in
vain, in fact the worst is at hand...They were working as a dishwasher in a
restaurant when there was a BY BUST search for illegal workers. The father
manged to scaped but the son was captured along his way to scape and that
was the last time they saw each other. Both of them didn't know what
happened to each other. Daniel has to serve the sentence of six months
imprissonment but it was commuted to four months because of his
good conduct. Being a prissoner he has to work very hard with a very little
food, tortured and abused. he was deported afterwards half-insane. On the
other hand, Someone harboured Rose' father and offered him a four-month work
in exchange of a boat ride from Malaysia to Zamboangga, Mindanao. Too bad
deal but this is the only choice. At long last, four months has passed. As
promised, he boarded a Malaysian cargo ship bound to Zamboangga for seven
days with the trash from the ship crew's food as his food. From Zamboangga
seaport, he went to a relative on foot for seven hours. There he was fed and
given a bus fare to get home.And owwwhh!!!!! what e sad reunion because they
hardly knew each other, everyone seems strange to eveyone!!!
*During the period of more than two years when no more
remittances abroad and communication among the family was completely cut
off, Rose' mother got sick and needed to have an immidiate operation on her
ovary. Someone loaned them money for it and she became well. As soon as she
is able, she work as sales lady on a comission basis salary. She's not
getting much from the job but broke most of the time. They were driven away
three times from their rented apartment due to non-payment of rent.*
Since everyone looks different they seem freeze, no emotion...Rose' father
approaced her and give her a hug thinking she is his youngest daughter
Angely. The next day, the family was informed that Daniel has arrived in the
country but needed to be under the custody of the social welfare for a short
while, and that was seem to be the key for the whole family's emotion as
they began to acknowlegde the reality that their world is such a mess. Since
then the family hated going to church except for Rose. Despite strong
opposition from the family Rose stayed faithful to the SDA church thinking
that it is all because of God's mercy that their family was reunited again
after all. She set aside her ambition to be a successful nurse someday,
instead she gave up her life "to serve God" by being an SDA missionary. She
was honored, cheered, admired, adored tremendously for her most outstanding
performance in bringing glory to the SDA church and in elevating Ellen G.
White's prophecies and writtings as the only true and consistent. Thus and
thus she was qualified to be recognized as a member of what they call "ONE
THOUSAND MISSIONARY" around the globe. For two years of being a bonafide one
thou missionary, again this little Indian girl... I mean Rose showed an
unbeatable dedication and excellence that made to the top as a multi-awardee
SDA missionary.
Anyway, eventhough Rose' father is not attending church and violating all
sabatarian commandments, he is not accepting any other church as any better
than SDA. Their family is quite big and are all born SDA, in other words he
is a dye-hard SDA and I think a bleach solution is yet to be formulated to
undye him. This is again an aggravating circumstance for Rose because he has
a way of making Rose feel guilty of many things for separating herself from
the SDA church. Nevertheless, God's grace is abundant for her and I'm really
encouraged for her continous victory over those poor little issues on
visions, keeping the sabaoth, meat, etc. Please remember her in your
prayers.
How I wish I can do something to shorten my stay here so I can go back
to reality or actual age. I must be ridiculous eventhough I don't think I
am. I know I rode on a boat bound for Mindanao not a time machine. I
deserved anything you may think about me, but I feel like I'm living during
the times when the gospel is not yet preached to the Gentiles, when the
gospel is just circulating yet among the Jewry. To be around the SDA is so
abnormal thing for me because it seems they never read the account of Jesus
in the hands of the Jews. I mean, they are talking about Jesus and even
quoting from His words but their attitude is no better then the Jews. This
so unrealistic at all and many times I can't believe how sharp I am in my
conversation and it so hard just to keep calm specially when they are
trodden underfoot the simpliest sayings of the Lord so they can continue in
their sin and let their coveteousness ruin themselves as well as others. I
don't understand... who can understand what I'm saying??? who can tell me
something????
Sister Bless' email
Christian greetings from all of us here in the Philippines. I regret
for not being up to date in checking my emails sister. Anyway, it's a
great thing just to have someone whom I can count on like you. I feel
very grateful and encouraged as well every time I found someone who
irregardless of race they can be friends or sisters with out any
reservation. I thank you for your sincere desire to be of help to us,
to our new sister Rose through getting in touch with her through email
which I believe a helpful way to reach her heart and win her
confidence so she can open her heart the more to us that we might know
how to help her overcome her foe. It seems the seventh day adventist
and the menonite church have lots of things in common and may she find
strength and courage as you go on sharing with her and hope that she
will learn determination and dedication to follow Christ no matter
what it may cost her.
While all of us shared thoughts with everything brother David had
shared in our bible studies during his ten-day trip here in the
Philippines, all of us marvel with the wisdom, simplicity and clarity
of every single message he delivered to us and its relevance to our
present struggles. I noticed that those messages I heard starting
from Mindanao are full of revelations, warnings. but most of all, the
call to be blessed by God, only, if we stay faithful to Him. Satan
don't need to push God to stay away, rather, he just pollute the place
and that would caused God Himself withdrawing from any polluted place
by Satan. There's times when the people of God linger on Satan's
property and so Satan can go to God to have a legal claim to whosoever
lingers inside his property which I believe a very possible thing.
I was checking my emails two weeks ago and I saw an advertisement on
employment and I registered. The next day i had a call from that
company and I was ask if I'm serious in getting a job. I said yes. He
asked when is the convenient time for a phone interview and we both
agreed on a designated time for it not knowing we will be having
electrical problem, nevertheless he didn't gave up till he got hold of
me and so the initial interview satisfactorily pushed through. I was
given options (as the job description is primarily discussed) of
position based on what I think I am qualified as well as work site
and condition. I was also given instructions as to what documents I
needed to bring on my appointed examination and personal interview. I
did prepare them and anxiously took my exam and interview only to find
out that the result do not agree with my desired position and he don't
recommend it otherwise I would be having a grieving career since there
is a conflicting interest between my desire and my capability. It was
a very tempting moment and I almost yield. The offer is surely
everyone is chasing as far as compensation, benefits, bonuses, and
opportunity is concern and he challenge me to take his comment
objectively instead of subjectively, that is, I needed to learn how to
improve my GROOMING and he showed me pictures of those who are doing
the same duty I would be performing after my paid on the job
training... and there I am!!!! Poor me! the hope to my plans are now
rolling on the clouds... and my fingers started to enumerate the
reasons why I can't take this job offer for a good conscience sake
towards God, towards my loved ones, my neighbor in which my enemies
can not be excluded. It is a completely secure promising job, yet,
really compromising since I would be travelling most of the time as a
customer-partner representative. It's not that I've got the most
qualified education which is only a secondary requirement but to be
potentially trained is primary demand. I got up from there with a
heavy feet and I already know how much scorn it would cost me for
making an about face turn from this offer, but, I'd rather pay it now
than paying it later in eternity.. An hour later, I remember David's
message two days ago about when can Satan have a legal claim on us...
and huuuuhhh! I begun to be comforted... little by little I began to
realize how subtle are Satan's way to entrap anyone so he can recover
possession over anyone that God hath set free from his bondage. The
Lord is so good! To be tempted is not sin but to yield to temptation
is sin. His blessing is really unspeakable.
for not being up to date in checking my emails sister. Anyway, it's a
great thing just to have someone whom I can count on like you. I feel
very grateful and encouraged as well every time I found someone who
irregardless of race they can be friends or sisters with out any
reservation. I thank you for your sincere desire to be of help to us,
to our new sister Rose through getting in touch with her through email
which I believe a helpful way to reach her heart and win her
confidence so she can open her heart the more to us that we might know
how to help her overcome her foe. It seems the seventh day adventist
and the menonite church have lots of things in common and may she find
strength and courage as you go on sharing with her and hope that she
will learn determination and dedication to follow Christ no matter
what it may cost her.
While all of us shared thoughts with everything brother David had
shared in our bible studies during his ten-day trip here in the
Philippines, all of us marvel with the wisdom, simplicity and clarity
of every single message he delivered to us and its relevance to our
present struggles. I noticed that those messages I heard starting
from Mindanao are full of revelations, warnings. but most of all, the
call to be blessed by God, only, if we stay faithful to Him. Satan
don't need to push God to stay away, rather, he just pollute the place
and that would caused God Himself withdrawing from any polluted place
by Satan. There's times when the people of God linger on Satan's
property and so Satan can go to God to have a legal claim to whosoever
lingers inside his property which I believe a very possible thing.
I was checking my emails two weeks ago and I saw an advertisement on
employment and I registered. The next day i had a call from that
company and I was ask if I'm serious in getting a job. I said yes. He
asked when is the convenient time for a phone interview and we both
agreed on a designated time for it not knowing we will be having
electrical problem, nevertheless he didn't gave up till he got hold of
me and so the initial interview satisfactorily pushed through. I was
given options (as the job description is primarily discussed) of
position based on what I think I am qualified as well as work site
and condition. I was also given instructions as to what documents I
needed to bring on my appointed examination and personal interview. I
did prepare them and anxiously took my exam and interview only to find
out that the result do not agree with my desired position and he don't
recommend it otherwise I would be having a grieving career since there
is a conflicting interest between my desire and my capability. It was
a very tempting moment and I almost yield. The offer is surely
everyone is chasing as far as compensation, benefits, bonuses, and
opportunity is concern and he challenge me to take his comment
objectively instead of subjectively, that is, I needed to learn how to
improve my GROOMING and he showed me pictures of those who are doing
the same duty I would be performing after my paid on the job
training... and there I am!!!! Poor me! the hope to my plans are now
rolling on the clouds... and my fingers started to enumerate the
reasons why I can't take this job offer for a good conscience sake
towards God, towards my loved ones, my neighbor in which my enemies
can not be excluded. It is a completely secure promising job, yet,
really compromising since I would be travelling most of the time as a
customer-partner representative. It's not that I've got the most
qualified education which is only a secondary requirement but to be
potentially trained is primary demand. I got up from there with a
heavy feet and I already know how much scorn it would cost me for
making an about face turn from this offer, but, I'd rather pay it now
than paying it later in eternity.. An hour later, I remember David's
message two days ago about when can Satan have a legal claim on us...
and huuuuhhh! I begun to be comforted... little by little I began to
realize how subtle are Satan's way to entrap anyone so he can recover
possession over anyone that God hath set free from his bondage. The
Lord is so good! To be tempted is not sin but to yield to temptation
is sin. His blessing is really unspeakable.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Bro David's visit
Bro David arrived here in the Philippines for his last visit safely after many delays and travels. We rejoiced for the Lord’s protection during all of it. He first traveled down to Mindanao to join Sister Bless there, and to meet with Bro. Oliver and a young woman he had been talking to named Rose. Bro Oliver had been preaching at her church and she met with him afterwards to ask him a few questions. I’ll post an email that Sister Bless wrote telling more about her and her family. Bro David was there for just a few days and was able to baptize her. We are blessed that she has decided to take up her cross and walk the path of Jesus, the path of ridicule, shame, and misunderstandings. Indeed the fight has begun for her already and the Lord is giving her great strength and courage to endure all that she is experiencing.
Sister Bless had been sent there to be with Rose for about 1 month to encourage her and help teach her some of what the bible says. She traveled by ferry from the island of Luzon (the island most north and where we live now) and was almost shipwrecked on the way due to a powerful typhoon. Once she arrived, she traveled to the town where Rose lives. There she experienced sickness from the conditions there and also from traveling. I will also post another email describing the situation there.
Bro David was there for just a short time and was able to have a few meetings with them and baptize Sis. Rose. Then he and Bless returned to Luzon to have meetings with us here. We met that Sunday and Bro Jerry and Bro Bert’s families were present along with Bro Bert’s mother and nephew and also Sis. Bless’ mother and little nephew. Bro David talked about what Faith really is. He said that Faith is NOT an abstract noun (i.e. a feeling, thought, or theory) but that IT IS A VERB!!(an action i.e. walking in the light) Hebrews chapter 11 gives a real clear picture. If you were to skim down through the chapter and insert an abstract noun in any one of those situations there, it would sound quite ridiculous. For example- by faith Noah, being warned of God of things not yet seen, felt afraid, thought about making an ark to save his household… Now let me ask a question. Do you think when it began to rain that Noah would be safe in his imaginary ark? No of course not, he had to actually do something because he had faith to believe God and knew it was going to rain. We can also hear what God says, and not do anything about it. This would be like me telling my son to open the door, but if he does not respond to what I said, the door will remain closed. What good is that? His hearing is worthless unless he acts upon it. It was an excellent message and really made me examine myself to see if I hear what God asks of me, then actually do it.
After the service, we had fellowship dinner then went to the neighboring town to baptize Sis. Bless’ mother. Her name is Tessie. She had been involved in the Methodist church and was a pastor there. While Sis. Bless was visiting her family this last time, my husband and Bro Jerry went to have a few meetings there in their hometown. She was cut to the heart so to speak about many issues in her church as well as the hypocrisy that was interwoven throughout the message that they preach. During the next couple of weeks, she withdrew her membership and involvement in the church and started covering and dressing modestly. It was a true blessing to see her do this, as she had been against Sis. Bless’ commitment to the Lord and argued with her about it often. The Lord helped her to see and softened her heart to receive the Word.
After the baptism, Bro Jerry’s wife, Mayady, said to me” It appears that I am the only one that is left who has not been baptized. What if it is me next time!” She has had such a struggle to follow the Lord and still lingers between darkness and light. She could use your prayers. We headed back to Bro David’s hotel and then had some dinner. He left that Tuesday and returned home without any problems. I think that his next trip will be to Peru sometime in the next few months.
Sister Bless had been sent there to be with Rose for about 1 month to encourage her and help teach her some of what the bible says. She traveled by ferry from the island of Luzon (the island most north and where we live now) and was almost shipwrecked on the way due to a powerful typhoon. Once she arrived, she traveled to the town where Rose lives. There she experienced sickness from the conditions there and also from traveling. I will also post another email describing the situation there.
Bro David was there for just a short time and was able to have a few meetings with them and baptize Sis. Rose. Then he and Bless returned to Luzon to have meetings with us here. We met that Sunday and Bro Jerry and Bro Bert’s families were present along with Bro Bert’s mother and nephew and also Sis. Bless’ mother and little nephew. Bro David talked about what Faith really is. He said that Faith is NOT an abstract noun (i.e. a feeling, thought, or theory) but that IT IS A VERB!!(an action i.e. walking in the light) Hebrews chapter 11 gives a real clear picture. If you were to skim down through the chapter and insert an abstract noun in any one of those situations there, it would sound quite ridiculous. For example- by faith Noah, being warned of God of things not yet seen, felt afraid, thought about making an ark to save his household… Now let me ask a question. Do you think when it began to rain that Noah would be safe in his imaginary ark? No of course not, he had to actually do something because he had faith to believe God and knew it was going to rain. We can also hear what God says, and not do anything about it. This would be like me telling my son to open the door, but if he does not respond to what I said, the door will remain closed. What good is that? His hearing is worthless unless he acts upon it. It was an excellent message and really made me examine myself to see if I hear what God asks of me, then actually do it.
After the service, we had fellowship dinner then went to the neighboring town to baptize Sis. Bless’ mother. Her name is Tessie. She had been involved in the Methodist church and was a pastor there. While Sis. Bless was visiting her family this last time, my husband and Bro Jerry went to have a few meetings there in their hometown. She was cut to the heart so to speak about many issues in her church as well as the hypocrisy that was interwoven throughout the message that they preach. During the next couple of weeks, she withdrew her membership and involvement in the church and started covering and dressing modestly. It was a true blessing to see her do this, as she had been against Sis. Bless’ commitment to the Lord and argued with her about it often. The Lord helped her to see and softened her heart to receive the Word.
After the baptism, Bro Jerry’s wife, Mayady, said to me” It appears that I am the only one that is left who has not been baptized. What if it is me next time!” She has had such a struggle to follow the Lord and still lingers between darkness and light. She could use your prayers. We headed back to Bro David’s hotel and then had some dinner. He left that Tuesday and returned home without any problems. I think that his next trip will be to Peru sometime in the next few months.
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