June 29, 2014
This past weekend was a nice respite from a very hectic start of our teaching ministry. We started Saturday very early (due to jet lag) and said our goodbye to beautiful Davao (which we did not see much of since we were there a little less than 24 hrs and much of it was indoors teaching). We did enjoy fruits like Atis, Durian, Mangosteen, and Pomelo grapefruit. Contrary to most I think I’ve gained a few pounds from all the meals served to us. Our arrival at Manila was uneventful.
We were taxied to our hotel that afternoon. I was blessed to see our host confront even subtle corruption in just taking a taxi cab (thanks, Sis Cerala for the lesson).
Upon our arrival at the hotel I was surprised again, surprised with the kind of treatment we received–for the next five nights we will be staying at a 5 star hotel (totally unexpected)! We met with Pastors EJ, George and Peter (a former PBA player) of CCF (Christ Commission Fellowship Alabang and Paranaque) at the lobby and talked ministry. I’m always humbled to know that such men of high social/economical status would care for the poor. Although they are among the elite of the society their ministry have revolved around establishing strong biblical churches among the poor. They are sensitive to what is doing in the Philippines and I just hope to be able to come along side and keep up with them and serve. The rest of the evening was spent with Daniel strolling through Alabang Town Center (ATC) doing life on life discipleship, discussing theology and life. ATC is a beautiful place and people filled it. The visual and audio stimulation of seeing so many and hearing a variety of noises is more than I could handle–I prefer the provincial quiet.
Sunday was my highlight where I had the privilege of preaching at CCF Paranaque in the morning and at Alabang in the afternoon. The latter was in Tagalog. I tried and with much help from the Lord through His people I believe the message came across. Ptr EJ and his elders are awesome in holding up and protecting their pulpit. Kuya Mario Pakingan also joined us in that AM service. It was a delight to see a member of SBCAC come and join us for fellowship. The rest of the time at church was spent with Ptrs EJ and George’s family. That was a delightful time as Daniel got to know their children and I got to know more their wives who also joined us.
The evening was quiet. Daniel and I went to the hotel’s gym and while exercising did more life on life discipleship as we discussed what just happened through the day. He is making much progress in his reading of Horton’s Putting Amazing Back to Grace (intro to Calvinism) and MacArthur’s The Gospel According to Jesus (Lordship Salvation). As for me, am completing Geisler’s Defending Inerrancy.
Today is a rest-day. Kuya Mario will be picking us up to take us around Manila, Cavite and Tagaytay. Tomorrow starts a week of training again with Luzon CCT pastors training.
Thank you for all of your prayers.
The Contenders 