What? Again, it’s Trevor’s Fault?

Around the community, me and Ian have become partners after dividing and setting up each team in the corner. Gathered up the people for them, telling them that if ‘anybody is sick and want’s to get healed instantly come out and be healed. It’s free I shouted. One even ask if there’s Salvation in it. “Sure, my friend there is for everybody.” After each team shared the gospel along with some Filipino interpreters, each also search for sick people in the houses around. Many got healed and some gave their lives to the Lord.

One of my favorite view is when Robin and Albert partnered together in preaching, Albert interpreted, leaving them for awhile while setting up others to do the same. When I came back from where they are, they were not found. I look and search for them and found them inside a small tent house where full of kids watching the happenings. I love the picture I saw, Robin and Albert laid hands on the sick child, he has high fever for 4 days. I took several shoots and get out, checking others. Later, I found the child with her mother in the basketball court healed instantly! The mother also got healed where Paul prayed in a different section. All along, the child got prayed by Robin and Albert and the mother got prayed where Paul and Jilian ministered. Mother and child doesn’t even know how that happened. So ice to see people, especially children got healed. I can imagine during Jesus time one earth, roaming around healing sick people, setting them free from deseases. What an exciting day!

EQUIPPING is the word…

Under the tree is where all the trainings took place in Cebu. What I liked this idea is simple, it can be done by just anyone would want to do. No cost, except Paul’s constant request of having coffee. Well, he didn’t request even once, instead I offered him and he politely say, “Yes, sure!” Seeing the simplicity and effectiveness this way is amazing. It becomes more of a family gatherings. Actually it teaches me a lesson of doing it the same way. I love it, it’s how we did discipleship – relationally like, instead of inviting Albert for a training, I invited him to swim in the beach along with Jilian and Jomy. And while there, teachings and learnings, and sharings of what has happening in their lives during the week or so can  be shared in a most natural way.  Just as easy as that. I’m glad we did it this way, no walls that wind could’nt pass through. It could have been hot like hell inside a room doing all the teachings, for its a hot season here this time. I find it more relaxing even to me as a host, doing all the preparations and most of the thinking, “What’s next!” A Conference idea could be done also, according to what is the goal, but talking about lifestyle, spontaneity and flexibilty is the name of the game. Such one is fit and easy to follow by just an ordinary person like Shadrack,Mishak and Abednego.

After the Ausies left, me and the boys went swimming but doing relational discipleship – talking about what has just been occured for the last 5 days. And yesterday also, til night, we had coffee together and talk and talk. We had so much learning….seeing the boys reactions and commments is an encouragements. I encourages the three of them to write their experience for thousands of people can read online. A personal story or testimony can be shared to one or two persons at a time, or a group of 20’s. Unlike blogging it, it’s unlimited and it’s always there for you. Sharing your life experiences to the world of internet!

Freeze the moment…..

Borrowing from Annete’s word, ‘freeze the moment’ have a lot of things to say to what most Christians do. We love to do it again and again until there was no life on it. Of course, we wanna do it again in the same or different community. We even had a plan sorted out that the 3 boys would do it in their own community with the three of them doing together. But Paul was right, if all we do is heal the sick and save people but not gather them around, equip them for what they need, and become a movement in the community, all there is about is indeed ‘freezing the moment.’ Honestly, the maintenance part is the hardest when it comes to starting simple church. It’s one way that we change our mindset of being a family together than just having meetings week after week. But then, as any family would do: What kind of father you are who does not see your sons and daughters. And what child you are who don’t see his parents. All needs space and time….what I want is the spontaneity of life governed the way we do church.  That is I dont’ wanna force anything trying to led the way. However, Paul’s word encourages me, “Be intentional in whatever you do.” I could not agree more.

LOL……………..

Annette has the longest laugh I ever heard…..everyone can recognize it, even my Dad. She’s the 5th mother to my son Mike Angel as she said while helping my baby put to sleep. Well, imagine, 6 Blinkin’ Ausies living right in my house? I have to buy a couple of more chairs and beds to make them comfortable. Honestly, this is normal for most fiipino’s if have the budget in which we have. Living together as family is wonderful, I learn something: Sharing. Giving is one way of living your life to the fullest. Sharing is a different story, a story fromwhich the early church mastered upon. They’re good at it. The Ausies took over control of my house, they live it as if their own house except for most, not some, of our personal belongings still inside the house. Lisa and I we’re just glad we had that house, for the purpose of guest like them. They are the first who has it anyway. It’s just a joy that you can host carefully and comfortably with your extended families. Though we feel not good with Ian and Robin’s room, wish at least there’s an air-con but sad there was not. Pretty sure next time they’ll come it be much more better.

Annette’s presence gives joy to everybody especially to my family. I always hear her names being mentioned though. She not only took good care of us here but also to the team like a Momma. Her heart for the kids here, especially for the girls, she took care of them, teaches them on how to share the Good News in simple ways. The team has some good combinations.

Along with her daughter Rachel, the girls enjoys her presence. Rachel saved Candy, a 24 year old girl. Crying while sharing the Good News. She trained also the girls on how to share the Gospel. Candy, started praying for sick people including her mother. She wrote her own story below, be shock with this cute lady:

April 31,2010 – about 1 pm..

i was talking with rachel & ruth..by the time peter & his wife,a canadian couple, were having a chat with another group of circle where paul,annette,lucinda,ian & robin sits..rachel’s companion..they were all australian..& wonderful persons…ian suddenly called my name..then he introduced me to peter & peter’s wife..ian asked me if i would like to do what paul & the other guys had discussed & taught us the other day to peter..peter had a backache & i said yes of course! though there’s a little nerve in my flesh ..lol! then..we set peter in a chair & asked him to relax..with the help of ian..we aligned peter’s feet..& then everyone reacted when they saw peter’s feet ..the other was about 1 inch & a half short..so i kneeled put my left palm at peter’s leg..& started to pray..deeply & deeply..then..there’s the sudden warm feeling flowed in my arm to peter’s skin..his shorter foot began to grow..& grow..& grow..& grow..then,someone’s touching my shoulder & i heard paul’s asking me to stop praying..because peter’s shorter foot became taller than the other foot..& so i & ian stopped praying..then the feet went to normal..then,the guys asked peter to stand & tell us what does he feel..he wiggled his hips & keep on shaking his head..& can’t find a word to describe it..he said the pain was gone..then he hugged me & thanked me..& everyone hugged me..i myself still amazed with what had happen..

May 7,2010 – about 11am

i went to molong’s nipa hut..i found jinky-a 6 year old girl,lying down & so silent..i asked her what happen to her..she complained her tummy’s aching..then..something’s whispering in my head that i should heal her.. it made me sweat a lot that i can’t understand..after a while of being uncomfortable..i kneeled near jinky & told her i want to heal her & so she have to trust me..the girl nodded..the funny thing is..my mind got blank..i can’t remember the words..glad i saved in my phone the words ian had taught me..then..i paid attention at jinky & focused..i put my palm in her tummy & started saying..”holy spirit,i release your healing power now..be healed & made whole..spirit or infirmity out! in jesus name!..”the same feeling i had when i was healing peter..my palm is so warm…after a while..jinky was running & biking..& not complaining about her tummy anymore..!!!

May 7,2010 – 9:45 pm

mama has complaining her backpain the other night..& so i remember what had happen to peter & jinky..
i asked her if her back is still aching..so before she went to bed..i did the healing to her..when i put my palm at her leg & closed my eyes..she suddenly talked..& asked me why not put my palm at her back..i also wondered but i immediately remember what paul taught..& so i explain to mama about it & that she should trust me & trust the holy spirit.. she nodded..& i start again..the next morning..i asked her about her backpain..she said it’s gone..!!my eyes went big..! lol! this is the confirmation that i waited after what had happen to peter & jinky..then i remember rachel’s text that night..”Love should be the main reason we want someone healed..”i told her what i did to jinky the other day..that i really wanted to heal the girl..can’t afford to watch her suffering pain..

PRAISE GOD FOR THESE WONDERFUL & AMAZING EVENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All i can say is..I am happy thAt HE is within me…Amen!!! ; )

________________________________________________

The Woman Revivalist….

Her name was Lusinda, always creating some trouble wherever she was invited. Along with Robin they visited one of my Auntie’s hospital where she work as a chief nurse. [Wish I had some pics.] My two Auntie and one of my relatives witnessed what has been transpired. Healings all around the hospital. It was just good. I remember one of  my deep thoughts, if Benny Hinn or one of the healing guys has really has some healing Gifts, why not get in to the hospital and directly prays for the sick? This crusades are manipulating God with their high expensive preparations. Looks like their God could not move without a song or an opening prayer? It takes two simple people only to see what I have been envisioning – Lucinda and Robin are doing some great damage in the hospital. They are ruining their business!

My auntie’s are full of stories of what’s going on – they ended up praying for the nurses it’s because they want them to get prayed! My auntie says that it’s their first time to see this inside their worplace.

Next day, two of them visited my Auntie’s community, 5 cities block far, it takes for them about an hour and a half travel by jeepney, stayed there whole day, went home a bit late in my house. We eat ahead of them. A text was sent to my cell phone that many things has been happening where they’re at. People wanted to hold them for a night. I took about 2,500 shoots in one week while they’re here. Two locations we’re not documented, their hospital visit and my Auntie’s community place.

“No worries, just relax, at the end of the day what matters is people getting healed from their deseases and set free!” – Paul Land

First Healings…

My father was ministered first right in the middle of a crowded restaurant on the first day that we all meet. He is a trainor of gun shooting and so being reluctant wearing an ear protector his ear was damage and can’t hear anymore. Actually half of his face was sort of paralyzed. Can’t hear, can’t see one eye, and can’t breathe one side of his nostrils. And also he has sore back…all for many years. It’s different seeing someone in the community got healed, co’z you don’t know them so well. But say, your own father? That’s different. The healing takes instantly is his sore back, then his ear has some pain while praying and could hear a bit…it is recovering..and after 2-3 days he was completely healed. I tease him to cover his ear and hear me speak from a bit far. And guess what, he hears me speak and even follow what I’ve said!

Many healings took place in my house also, you better watch out, the holy spirit is here with us! A mother who has leg pain was healed instantly, she’s Candy’s mother – once a nieghbor, now a family. A Canadian couple named Peter and Margareth visited my house for a couple of hours before their flight back to Canada has been healed instantly by a prayer of 2 day old Christian, it’s Candy and Analyn 13 years old and Derick my niece, 10 years old.

All in all we ministered in 3 communities, trained about 20 people only. One community we baptizes 6 people instantly. But healings could not be counted. Albert, Jomie and Jilian has their own websites just being made. And their story can be written by their own hands then. Soon, this report can be edited with their links.

Dumaguete City

Two days in Dumaguete has some experience too, 9 of us, including me and Albert and Jomy, this time Jilian stayed. Jomy and Albert, is their first time to attend a traditional church, they didn’t even know that it’s a born again church LOL. And its their first time also to speak in front of people in  the church meetings. They’re good though. Many young people was encourage by their boldness to pray for the sick. I am very proud of my boys. It’s their first time also to get out Cebu and do some healing [mission] stuffs he he. It was just much fun. Ministering about 5 churches there in one day!

Now a lot of things must be done, leaving me a lot of assignments to follow up. But at least I became jobless instantly on healing sick people. I’m tired of sick people, they make me sick he he. Now my healing team can take over my job. I hardly pray for the sick when the Ausies are here, they hardly call my name to pray for the sick, always the boys or the girls. Think they want me jobless here. I think so, what do you reckon?

What!!! Oh that’s a filipino way of, “Pardon me?”

Ian, please explain.

This is all what I mean why it’s all Trevor’s fault. I got some reservations for him: Why he didn’t show up in Cebu? Now mate, please explain.

This is all Trevor’s fault!

“Hey Molong, what are your schedules look like on these dates? [April 23 to May 3]” was this friend called Trevor wrote me from Australia just three weeks  before the team’s arrival.

[This report/documentation are all about what’s going on when http://www.spiritlednetwork.com team’s visit in Cebu for 10 days.]

This mate whom I met in Hong Kong during the 2nd Asian House Church Conference, it was about 3 years ago. The first time I saw him is when he was carrying his huge luggage going up to his room sweating and tired. From the ground level up of the mountain of small island where the summit was held, it was a long way up carrying everything with you. Everybody was exhausted even me as I help fetching several people from the pier of main Hong Kong City to the venue. I took several ferry trips like a tourist guide there, was invited by the host to come early to help others lead the way. Imagine, its your first time visiting the place and yet you can be an instant guide? Anyway, it’s where I meet the man, with not much words in our mouth, we separate our ways, handing him a book on which I intend to give away to others who might be in need. Taking with me several different copies, the last book I had was in this man’s hand. If I hadn’t done it, I should not be sharing our short story with you.

A Network of Relationships

God has a new way of revealing His plan to His people, that is by and through relationships, nothing more; nothing less. Anyhow, this is what church is all about. He don’t look around for one man anymore to fulfill His plans, instead He’ll look for people who have relationships already workin’ out. Who has common beliefs and passion for something that’s futuristic,  a visionary I mean, who sees future events and say, “Why not?”

Trevor is a networker, after a month of my trip to Hong Kong, we became friends, corresponding each other through email, and its a shame for me to know that he has given the book that I gave to him to somebody! Well, he already read it and no use of keeping it instead he gave it away. Whatever book that might be, either helpful or  not but it surely gives us a connection even then. He let me meet the man Stuart Gramenz in Cagayan de Oro, and some of the blinkin’ Ausies like Jody  Bolstad and Paul Thomas, Margareth and Chris Dent, Andrew and Kirima Smith, Paul Land with his son David, Ian Jenkins, and others whom the Lord only knows their first names LOL. Not only friends multiply though this one man’s journey together but also the book that I gave has multiplied too, a set of Stuart’s book was handed to me and just last week I received 50 copies of his Spirit Led Life book!

The journey begins…

Paul and Jody came to Cebu, at last. It was my first experience on HOW to heal the sick stuff. Oh well, I got some good one’s in CDO too, encountering healing taking place instantly. But hosting Paul Thomas and Jody Bolstad here with me and the churches is quite different. This time we did a big conference in the city, about 1oo leaders from different churches, including networks of house churches around. My first demo was given, and it felt good. Word that caught me is the “HOW’ and the “DEMO.’ How in the world would they do that? I saw healing takes place in Benny Hinn’s crusade, though it was just on TV, saw Reinhard Bonnkies healing crusades in my place and healing would take place right in your own eyes. But joining and seeing, now hosting something like this never occured honestly in my mind. What? Teaching you ‘HOW?’ Churches and ministries around are full of ‘what is and what’s that’ but unlikely they never know ‘how.’

Indonesia Healing Demo’s…

After Cebu Conference I went to Indonesia for the 3rd Asian House Church Conference, Mike Limmer from their team was sent, I first met him in CDO too. The Conference lasted for 5 days, but this time is the 4th day in which a presentation on How to Heal the Sick is scheduled, not on the first session but on the last session of the day on the night in which people gets so full of teachings and have some tired butts already. There you go, Mike is teaching with so much enthusiasm, speaks very quickly as he ran through over the materials with the help of an sophisticated LCD projector.

And suddenly…

“Excuse me,” some interrupted “is there anyone would need this teaching?”

“Does anyone does not believe in healing here?” he continued. Around a hundred tired people in the room and almost everyone nodded their heads. A short debate has arose among the brethren, chat chat chat, talk talk talk, blah blah blah over here and over there. Eman Abrea stood up and said, “We believe in healing.” Not getting the propose comment to end the session right there and then. I felt bad co’z Mike was stop right in the middle of his teaching. So I stood up as a witness of what’s happening in Cebu asking the question to everybody in the room, “We believe in healing, we all do. But that is not what this session is all about. Do you know HOW to heal?” Randeep Matthews of India, shout, “Yah, that’s it lets do it! Without further ado, I said, “Let’s get in to the DEMO! Anybody got some back pain?” Three people came forward, Dr.David Lim from the Philippines, and a guy named Cris from Malaysia and one other. Though a demo was given but Mike does not pray even instead he call up others to pray and boom! …atmosphere change. Many got healed in that Conference, it has become a How to Heal the Sick Seminar for awhile LOL…..

Now lets get to the main issue of why this man Trevor gets the blame….

I found out on the 3rd day while the healing team is with me at my house that I was a sort of a ‘leftovers.’ No wonder Trevor just handed me a fix date and see what Molong is up to? Third day event always revealed some secrets: Jesus death gives the Devil’s success but His resurrection reveals the secret of His power. It took me 3 days to know what’s going on around. Anyhow, let’s clarify these matters in some detailed ways. May my memory reminds me of what the Holy Spirit has done in a couple of days here through the team that he’s sending.

Here are what the team did…we went to a nice restaurant and have a beer…ophs wrong word….LOL

Paul Land and Ian Jenkins, sort of Ian is the leader but it looks like he is not, think it’s Paul co’z he does most of the talking and Ian does most of the demon’s, ophs, demo’s I mean. One thing you can learn from this guy Paul is his quotes which are always for ‘free of charge’ he said. Unlike Ian has some 700 peso price tag on what he would ‘sometimes’ share. Maybe he’s a staff from 700 Cub, that’s why he he.  Also Paul’s “JUST RELAX” favorite step number one on how to heal the sick sessions.  I couldn’t find it in the  book and during Paul and Jody’s visit here, it was not just there. But what I find is it has become a reality to us Filipino’s.

First Lesson: JUST RELAX

When it comes to healing let someone else do it. But letting you do it? That’s a different story. Paul was probably spirit led when he keeps on saying these words every time he let someone do it. It’s important honestly to hear these words. One instance he taught Lucinda how to do it, he was just sitting on a chair giving instruction: “Yah, that’s it, let him sit down straight, just relax, let him relax, yap, ok. Lift his feet up a bit, ophs, not too high you might hurt his back . Ok, just relax, yah ok, now you can pray.” He himself is relax! Honestly Paul, you are even relax than Stuart!

Shadrack, Mishak and Abednigo

‘Just Relax’ becomes a dominating word whenever 3 of my boys Albert, Jomie and Jilian do it. The training just took place under our star apple tree. Even my Dad and mom joined in. Then we went to the community and do some practice. Before, to heal the sick is the main thing, now it has becomes a practice, that means it becomes simple and easy to do it. We had all the fun then, healing atmosphere are everywhere in the community. Children are following us, actually leading us where the sick people. At times we have to cross a river, a dirty river with some smelly poos around. If Ausies didn’t smell it it is because it’s a filipino kind LOL…

Paul nick-named my 3 boys as 3 brave ones in Daniel’s book. They had a discussion on it one morning of the story. They’re just a couple of months being saved. Never been to church, never knew about being religiosity. What they will learn they can gladly do it without hesitation. “Just relax” is what they need when face the sick person. One time in the community, Paul is calling someone who has some back pain, I saw Jilian full of enthusiasm wanting to pray. I look at him and gave a signal to take over Paul. And he did.

Healings in the House

In 5 days these 3 boys have been with us everyday til night. Their parents started to worry and was questioned where and what they have been doing. “We joined a training from Australian people in Kuya Molong’s house and being trained how to heal the sick [under the tree]” And this gives opportunity to pray for her mom. “Do you have back pain Mama? I can pray for you. His mom was led to sit on a chair, just relax, and boom! -you know what that means.  And right then Jilian’s grandparents arrive and ask the same question. “We learn something about Jesus will heal the sick.” Jilian replied. His grandmother bluntly speak, “If this is all about God then I believe more than you.” Saying this she meant that she’s older than them and knows much about God than him. Jilian then challenged her grand mother, “If you have more faith than me then you should believe that God can heal you right Lola?” Her grandmother thought about it  for awhile and agreed to be prayed for. BOOM! Another power flowed out of Jilian. And in the morning, Jilian saw her lola doing some cleaning in the ground with a broom stick in her hand in which she couldn’t do that because of back pain. And as he walks in the community to visit us again in my house, people started looking at him for they were witnesses of what had happened the other day. His mom commented on him, “What had happened to you my son. You are now a… healer?” What I liked about Jilian, he always blames it to Jesus if ask by those questions. I hear it myself.

“Just Relax” goes too far with Albert, after the community experience on the first day, he approaches his mom and prayed and then to his father. Took a chair, let his dad sat down, told him to ‘just relax,’ carryng his foot and prayed. Then his father hugs him and thanked. I could see Annette’s flowing down her cheeks. Did I? probaby her heart did.

Jomy did the same thing, he prayed for his mom also as he was asked of his whereabouts. His mom has constant pain because the kind of work she did everyday at work. She was instantly healed. This has become the reason for them to leave home and stay in my house for the whole day and be with the blinkin’ Ausies.

“Loooo…k at the moon!”

Mr. Ian, please explain….even just tonigt I hear kids outside in my room saying to other kids, “Look at the moon.” I did got out as I heard it and try looking at the moon, see if its a fact that there’s a moon shining but no moon could be found. The people that you’re sending here Trevor mate are contagious and infectious. Better watch out my friend.

Ian Jenkins, a gentle guy compared to Paul and Robin – they do a lot of chit chat, ya know talkin’ and talkin’ – Paul doin’ the teaching stuff I mean, and Robin keeps sharing the Gospel around and giving tracts! At times, we have to wait on him to just stop talkin’. Ohh Ian is  kind, soft voice, slow to speak type of guy but stern -sometimes I have a hard time hearing his side of opinions and thoughts for he never argue. He just said, “Yah, I understand what you’re saying.” And then what? The man does most of the demo part in healing the sick. Giving instructions, making stories, explaining things. He does so well with it. I even heard Albert muses that he is learning of what most Ian speaks some things.

To be continued…

VIGAN and BAGUIO CITY

Most of my trips are mostly chaotic, messy, or unplanned but appeared ‘fractal’ in each location. Part of the reason, as my Singaporean extended family, Hezekiah Tee, would say, “We plan and plan until God is out of the plan” I became more convince of this truth. Even getting my airline tickets are messed up, I waited for cebupacificair to shoot me an email that they have promo fares, so to avail their marketing strategy I don’t have time to even to check with my friends in the places where I should go to. I simply asked and pray to Papa where and when within the given months that the airline offers. For 4 years that I have been traveling 2-3 times a month, at least some months I travel more than that either by air or by bus, once I flew 16 times in a month! I only canceled twice of my flights and stayed home knowing confidently that it is not His will for me to go. No ‘super-spiritual’ feeling that I need to discern but simply trusting Jesus of His leading. I’m glad I did, that He did, ..we did it together.

It was my second visit to Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, about an hour and half flight from Cebu to Clark airbase, and an 8 hour by land trip. Normally flights there are in the everning, so I arrived there as usual at 4 o’clock in the morning! And Edwin, which is my extended family there always fetch me at the terminal with his trycicle, that is a 3 wheels motorbike use to fetch people and gain some coins. I should say that for most of the places where I’ve been in my country, Vigan is the best so far, it was voted with UNESCO’s favorite tourist spots. The Spanish hetitage is brilliant in its structure, the Filipino history will be mostly found there. A very small city but there’s a lot of things to see. Anyway, Edwin treated me a tour around on my first visit. This time, it was more focus on how was he doing when it comes to making disciples and building Jesus family intentionally.

Making Disciples

Wherever I went my task is two-fold: Making disciples to those who see my life becomes a light and salt, that in turns creating themselves to believe in me, trust me and become loyal to me….’for while.’ I call this, Disciple for awhile, since you will not ask them to follow you but to follow Jesus. Second is teaching them HOW to make disciples of Jesus through their friends. In a nutshell this is what is all about…

Our job is to ‘go and make disciples to all nations,’ don’t need to go through theological stuff here, am not good at that, never been to college and surely never been to a Bible School. And by the way, I am glad I did…not. “Going” is simply where you are right now that is God would want you to make people His disciple simply because anywhere you are now it has people around you that you can make one!  Jesus has already given the command to ‘go’ and ‘sent’ you in the field. To simply ‘ask’ and ‘wait’ where only shows our timidity.

How can ‘making disciples’ becomes an easy job to reach the growing population? It is found in the word ‘make’ not in ‘disciple.’  Our job is to MAKE disciples not to disciple. I will only ‘make’ you a disciple, a disciple of Jesus Christ. If my job is to disciple you then you are my disciple. The question is, “Who’s disciple are you?” Jesus right. “So who is your discipler if you are Jesus disciple?” The Holy Spirit. The reason why disciple making becomes hard simply because we have come to believe that it is our job to disciple. Honestly, it is very hard to disciple people simply because it is not our job. But it is very easy to ‘make’ disciple simply because that is our only job.

Visitation Versus Habitation

When it comes to seminars on Discipleship, the teachers or speakers would quote how ‘Moses and Joshua” and “Elijah and Elisha’s” way of discipleship. Studying and recognizing traits of a disciple who follows his master “Moses” and “Elijah.” Sorry, it connot be done this way now simply because we are not trying to create our own disciples, but Jesus disciples. And Jesus has given us a better way to do it. Our job is to make disciples. The Holy Spirit’s job is to disciple. Jesus job is to build His Church, Ekklesia.

Old Testament way of handling the Holy Spirit is based on friendship principle, that is ‘give and take.’ The Holy Spirit was given only to three [3] kinds of person: Priest, prophet and kings. King David was such a man who has this three position. Though he is but still he knows that he only ‘borrowed’ God’s spirit that is in him: “Cast me not away from Thy presence, O Lord. And TAKE NOT Thy Holy Spirit from me.” was his prayer when he sinned against God through Batsheba. And it was the same in the case of many, “When the spirit of the came…” and He gladly came down and help in their troubles.

Indeed God is a faithful visitor…He visits Revival Nights Services on Sunday’s and what an awesome God who instantly revives people from the dead who mostly those people had just been on the mornings Sunday Worship Services! My my my, if we can revive people why don’t we do it everyday? Well, the fact is even if we are faithless He will remain faithful. We ask God to come down and He did but have ask God to stay with us? Knowing the Holy Spirit was given to us to stay within us ‘forever,’ ‘Never will leave you nor forsake you,” “I will be with you to the end of the age.” He is not ‘in’ and ‘out’ in if we fail Him but always ‘in’ in Christ Jesus, He is not looking for a place to visit but to stay at home! A visitor obviously visits for an hour or two simply because it’s not his house.

“God became flesh and dwelt among us.”

That word ‘dwelt’ in Greek simply means ‘Tabernacle.’ We become His temple, His habitation. He cannot abandon us just as He could not abandon Himself. He is with us, in us, for us! Church is simply Christ in you. It is where His spirit lives, not where we meet. Has He find His habitation in you? Or He just simply visits because you put a limitations for Him to do that?

One of the ways we hinder Him to fully be in us is just around 12 inches from our hearts – the way we think of Him! When I was in Baguio, we joined a seminar called “Hearing God’s Voice.” The theme was very interesting but to our dismay with Art and Eric, my extended family who’s hearing the speaker speaks it was not what Jesus teaches. One of the many statements that was so frustrating is: “If you don’t feel the love of God then you are not in the spirit.” Much more of the statements ca be read like this: The Holy Spirit depends on what you’re doing, if He likes it then He will stay in you, if not? Sorry, He’ll leaves!

The Holy Spirit is IN you and will always be in you “until the end of the age.” Either you feel it or not, you don’t have to. Read 1 John, get a marker and start marking the word “know” and you be shock! I don’t feel that I have an ears both sides of my head but I know I have it. I don’t feel my intestine in my tummy but I know its there. Christ in me the hope of glory. Even if I ‘try’ to backslide, sorry, I cannot because that is against what He told me!”

Three days I spent with Edwin and his wife Norma, most conversations revolved around life, family and making disciples. The family have grown there. Actually, my visit prompt us to make his personal website here: http://www.edwinsarona.wordpress.com. Our sites on making disciples are more personal rather than like an organization where everyone visits and get help in one site. Those 42 that I made disciples for a year are the ones who are connected more simply because they are the one’s who are closely related to me. They are my ‘children in the Lord’ and I have become their ”parents in the Lord.’ Of course, others may visit and learn but we encourage everyone to make their own personal site for their friends who they make disciples can visit their own too. In this way, all we’ve got in our sites are more personal experiences on HOW we make disciples and in the ‘Blogroll’ are other personal sites and so on. At this time, since we’re just starting there’s only three for now. Visit also albert’s site on how he make disciples throguh his friends here: http://www.albertpacquiao.wordpress.com

A Quick Note on Albert

Albert is the first person that I make disciples last November 2008. He is 16 year old at that time, now 17. And on this span he make 10 disciples of Jesus. He ‘buries’ them hismself! Actually two days after I left home to Vigan, January 17th, he baptizes three. Oh, sorry, only one but there is three of them who was baptized. He only baptized one, and the one that baptizes, baptizes also the other one and so on….Fell free to visit his site and see it for yourself and how this chain works. He has all the stories of his journey there. Ophs, feel free to give comments to enourage him.

HOW?

How ‘making disciples’ be the job of everybody? Everyone has friends, look for people who believe in you, trust you and loyal to you. I am sure there are. As you recognize them they are mostly younger than your age simply because you will be fathering or mothering them soon. As my father in the Lord and friend Mike Peters always reminded me of one of the powerful words Jesus spake to have ‘hundreds of fathers, hundreds of mothers, hundreds f brothers and hundreds of sisters.” That will be second intentional word to say to them, “I have become your father in the Lord and you are now my children in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 4:14 – 17, Eph. 6:1. 1 John.

Disciple for Awhile

Looking for people who believe in you, trust you and loyal to you are the traits that only you will look for a person to qualify them as ‘faithful men who can be able to teach others also.” 2 Tim. 2:2. Of course, how can ‘obey’ you as their ‘parents in the Lord’ [Eph.6:1] if they don’t believe in what you say, and you cannot be trusted as a person? Or say, what does it take for them to believe in you and trust you? Surely your life must be a ‘light’ and ‘salt’ of this earth right? Hey, we don’t bring Good News to the people, we are Good News!

‘Disciple for awhile’ as we mean it because when you finally recognize that they have your belief and trust and loyalty then you help them how to become His followers. Before he follow Jesus surely there is someone that he follows, let it be you. Because normally people will look someone who can be their leader, let it be so to you but not for long co’z there are two things that you cna do to them who normally follows you. Either you draw them to Christ or you draw them to yourself. Remember the warning of Paul to the Ephesian elders: There are those among you who draw disciples for themselves.

Again, Do it Intentionally

Being intentional is simply saying the word: I will make you a disciple of Jesus. And so on….[as you go under my HOME site you will find the article “I Will Make You A Disciple” in which my conversation with Albert and the other 42 of whom that I make disciples for a year and 2 months now. Of course, this is not a formula as these words will not work in most Ausies, however what works there is “I will help you how to follow Jesus.” And you can add to that, ” we can go together in this journey!”

PART TWO is coming….

Always IN HIM,

Long for short

House-churching in the Philippines

Housechurching In the Phiippines by Molong Nacua Luke, Chapter 10 gives some very workable principles on church planting that fit in the Philippine culture.

There are three main values I see in each one of us that gives us the potential to saturate our country with God’s Word through Simple Church. Let us check them one by one and see how it fits in starting house churches mainly in the community.

Close Family Ties

If we define house church as an ‘extended’ family meeting together for mutual edification then our family gatherings fit perfectly. Filipino’s uphold family ties to the highest extent, we live close to each other even as individual adults. We love to gather just to have a meal together with the entire clan up to the 4th generation. And what’s more surprising is that we do not need to put it in our calendars. It becomes an instinct for us to gather and sit, talk, eat, pray [if you don’t mind, or prophesy] and serve. Hmmm…it is S.T.E.P.S. on what to do in a house church meeting. We don’t even need to create a program to foster new ideas and stories. We are also good at doing surprises when we meet. We love to talk and…eat. We do not need to create a family, we are family.

Community Involvement

We call it ‘Bayanihan’ in our own dialect. It is a creation of alliances with neighbors and a helping attitude whenever one is in dire need. No one needs to teach us on how to create community, we already have one! Our celebrations such as fiestas, holidays and family reunions speak of how we are created for this idea of simple gatherings. Most Filipino’s have traditions, either Holy Friday or All Souls Day. It is a religious event yet most families gather around foods and laughter – it becomes an event that is full of surprises to bond relationships. We’re not doing it so much anymore for religious purposes but to have fun. Do you know that we Filipino’s are known for the number two happiest people in Asia? And who are number one? Me and my family 🙂

Social Involvement

We call it “Barkada” or a group of selected friends fits most of what a house church looks like. It is church to the fullest. We normally treat our barkada as our second family next to our own physical one, though sometimes others hope it to be their real family. The value behind this group is simple, “You feel like a family.” Added to the word barkada is the word ‘pakikisama’ which is extending support to our relatives or offering help even to our neighbors who are in need. And “Utang na loob,’ meaning a debt of gratitude – or the giving of special favors to the other person regardless of the moral outcome. In simple terms, “we might hate one another yet we still love one another.”

Based on this premise, a working house church model for us will look a little different than other house churches in other countries. Even in our country, house churches in different cities and towns with different people and personalities will still look different from one another. Put it this way, I could not do house church with the street people the way I do house church with the professional people. It just doesn’t work. I must be resilient and adaptable enough to cater to different people. Like Paul, able to become wherever, whatever and whoever he is with.

Starting a house church movement in a community is only one way of doing it. In this article, several people in my circle of influence have used this approach, and some prove it to be hard [mostly to those who keep asking endless questions about it without doing it], yet to most people it works. The principles and practices behind simple church can only be answered by asking the right questions, “Is it right?” No, “Does it work?” If you believe it is right, then it will work. Not the other way around.

Houses Of Peace

In Luke 10, Jesus asked us to be sensitive enough on how to recognize a ‘man of peace’ in a house. Look for the initial sign: food. “If the man of peace offers you food, eat,” He said. Something rings in your head, right? Yes, Filipinos were made for simple church gatherings! We know that wherever we go even just passing by someone who is eating they will gladly invite you to eat with him. We know it’s not real hospitality right, but we know also that if the person urges us twice or a third time we better accept his offer for he is serious in his asking.

At times I come to think that Jesus somehow has a Filipino appetite, He came ‘eating and drinking.’ Most Filipino’s love this endless eating. He never came to a house where there is no food. Think about in Matthew’s house, they have a party! In Zaccheus’ house, still there is party with his ‘barkada.’ At Simon the Pharisees’ house also. Looks like Jesus barkada always has someone celebrating a birthday! And have you recognized that whenever Jesus speaks of God’s Word He always likens it to a spiritual food? Huh! Yummy ha. [Matthew 4:4]