Firing and Youthful Experience

Note: I just posted this article here. Originally from my facebook note. :)

2 April 2012- This must have been the day that the Lord has made! The first Monday of the month was loaded with lots of activities that will reawaken my soul who has been thirsty for God’s presence.

When I was informed about the youth gathering which is our first ever gathering, I was quite sad knowing that I am already in the province, it is hard to go back to the city just to attend an activity which requires, of course, money. Way back then, I never thought I would have given the chance to attend the said activity because first, it is already summer and I want my parents to take a break in their financial obligations to me and second is that, I have consumed already my savings. There was a slim chance, really. And so, I said “No” to the invitation and buried the idea in my mind.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Have you tried being surprised by God? All I can say is our God is a God full of surprises! I may not have been hopeful at first yet, He knew the desire of my heart. He knew when the perfect timing to surprise me is! Alas, the unexpected thing happened. And take note, he drowned me with surprises! Not just I was able to attend our youth gathering but lo and behold, I was also able to attend the 27th Local World Youth Day! What a big paycheck from heaven. I just cannot contain the happiness reigning in my heart. I saw Jesus smiling at me because I myself was enjoying my sweet reward. Everything happened so fast, attending the LWYD was the least thing I had in mind. How can you attend when in the first place, the parish priest in your town didn’t send delegates? But miracles do happen and dreams do come true! Through a friend from a nearby town, I was able to attend the most prestigious event gathering of the youth all over Cebu! Imagine that kind of feeling?

God will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:21

Oh yes, I still didn’t forget the second event.  God is just so awesome! He is good enough to make you happy 10x more and more! I was fired up that early Monday morning knowing that our first youth gathering will finally take place! The day that we have been waiting for. I can’t get enough with Mondays, indeed! Even though I was still feeling groggy after LWYD, I arrived at Family Park with enthusiasm knowing that it will be another fun-filled day with my co-youth and at the same time, a venue for expanding our knowledge on our service with God. With the passion and united effort of the youth council together with our adviser, Kuya Pat, with the talks conducted by our worship leader, Bro. Stephen, and of course, with our presence, the first gathering of the LOJ Youth Missions was a success! Bonds of friendships were strengthened, values were inculcated, deeper understanding of what an excellent service is all about flourished and joy ignited in each other’s hearts.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

With the two consecutive youth events I have attended, I am now proud to say that the youth is not just the hope of the church but the Church itself. Some youths may have gone astray, some may have abandoned God and some may have denied their true identity, but the challenge lies in our hands. As fire starters, may we, the Light of Jesus Youth Missions pass the burning passion in our hearts to infect a positive change of heart to the lives of others. May we keep the fire burning and continuously do what is pleasing in God’s eyes!

We give thanks to You, our Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because You have taken your great power and have begun to reign. Revelation 11:17

The young ministers of God with Tito Jonathan Yogawin. :-)

My Father Eagle

She considered herself like an eagle

Always soaring up high albeit the storm

She knows when is the perfect timing to wiggle

Reminding herself to stay calm and relaxed in any form.

Just like an eagle so mighty,

She takes the risks and go forth her dreams

Circumstances may come along her way,

She never loses hope for her heart is set aflame.

But what would she do

If one day she finds out everything turned out blue?

Her hopes went down.

Her aspirations were crushed.

Her motivations vanished.

She broke her wings

And fell mercilessly in the ground.

She felt so hopeless

And all she could do is shed out her tears heavily.

It was the most painful thing that happened to her journey

The people who once gave her strength and inspiration 

Were also the ones who doubted her and turned her down.

Yet, her Father eagle stood by her side despite it all.

He was cheering her up reminding her the battle isn't over yet.

He picked her up and gave her enough strength to carry on

And now she is ever stronger and fearless to make it through.

God Wanted Me to Serve

God Wanted Me to Serve

-Frances Carmille Alpuerto-

A once active girl in the ministry lost the burning light of serving the Lord when she was discouraged by their Parish Priest but regained the burning passion to serve because of Kergyma Conference 2010.

Serving in any religious community has been a common thing for me. I grew up seeing my parents very active in different Church related activities. At a young age, I was exposed to Catechesis, Kids Ministry and Chiro Youth Movement. Way back then, I thought being a part of an organization is enough. I was contented by just being a plain member but when the elder leaders left, I have felt the call to serve and lead the Youth Ministry in our town.

I began serving and shepherding the young ones and eventually found happiness in what I am doing. It was almost perfect not until our parish priest was reassigned to another town. I cried every night and I could not buy the idea that he will leave us. He was very supportive to our needs, very active in engaging our activities and very youthful. My hopes crashed and my passion to serve went down to the lowest level.  I just can’t go on without the ever supportive priest we once had. I could not accept the change that is about to come. And so, I did what the quitters most do, I gave up in serving the Lord.

My first year in college came and I felt restless. “Something is lacking in me,” an inner voice inside is telling me. I don’t know where and when to search for the missing puzzle in my life. I had many friends, I got good grades, I was mentored by good people and yet, the happiness I feel won’t last. Sad to say, I settled for a happiness that is just temporary. And so, I told myself, “This time, I won’t dare to give up in my quest for a happiness that is ever lasting.” God eventually heard my longing, upon going home, I saw a poster in our bulletin board and it talks about the Kerygma Conference 2010. Without any further ado, I saved the contact numbers and reserved my ticket. I have felt God’s presence at that time and was really thankful for tapping my shoulder.

Because of Kerygma Conference 2010, I was able to hug my favorite preacher, Bro. Bo Sanchez.

Because of Kerygma Conference 2010, I was restored by Jesus.

Because of Kerygma Conference 2010, I was able to live a new and happy life.

Because of Kerygma Conference 2010, I was able to recognize the presence of God in my life.

Because of Kerygma Conference 2010, I am now attending Feast Cebu.

Because of Kerygma Conference 2010, I found the joy of serving God again.

Truly, God has indeed ways of rekindling our hearts to serve and be with Him again. Now, I am in a journey of preserving the burning fire, the passion to serve, the everlasting happiness and a stronger faith in God. To God be the glory! J

Thanksgiving Prayer

Thanksgiving Prayer

-Frances Carmille Alpuerto-

Lord, on this day, grant us the humility to recognize all the gifts you have given to us and to acknowledge all the reasons we have to be grateful in our lives. It is so easy to let daily trials and tribulations convince us that we have little for which to give thanks but nothing could be farther than the truth. 2011 was indeed a year of a perfect combination of trials, test of faith, unending blessings and miracles.

Almighty God, thank you for the gift of life. Often, we take our existence for granted and don’t see it for the miracle it is. As millions of Filipinos face poverty and our nation seems to be more selfish, thank you for those who care in our lives and for the generosity of strangers towards those in need. 

Oh Comforter, we know it is difficult to be thankful with tragedy and economic storms battering our country, but we refuse to give in, to become callous and to lose faith. With the knowledge, we know that we can make this a more bountiful land again. Also Loving Father, we thank you for the presence of one another. May 2012 be a year for us of more blessings, new relationships and stronger faith in You. All of these we ask and give thanks in Jesus name. AMEN.